Crispy Baked Buttermilk Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is one of those comfort foods that feels nostalgic and endlessly snackable, similar to the favorites in our Top 11 Comfort Foods to Satisfy Your Cravings.

---

---

These crispy, oven-baked bites skip the fryer but still deliver that crave-worthy crunch thanks to a buttermilk soak and a savory coating of panko, cornmeal, and Parmesan.

Juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, and piling onto a platter for weeknight dinners or game-day spreads.

---

---

This recipe follows the same simple coating method used in other breaded favorites like Everything But the Bagel Breaded Chicken Sandwich With Sun-Dried Tomato Spread and Italian Breaded Style Boneless Pork Chops, proving that baked breaded dishes can be just as satisfying as fried ones.

---

---

Why Panko Makes a Difference

Panko bread crumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating than traditional breadcrumbs. Their airy texture helps the chicken bake up crisp without becoming dense or greasy.

If you’d like to learn more about how panko works in different recipes, see our guide on Cooking With Panko – Japanese-Style Bread Crumbs.

---

---

This popcorn chicken also draws on classic crusting methods that use dry coatings to lock in moisture while building texture.

For a deeper look at the many ways foods can be coated and baked, explore From Nuts to Breadcrumbs: Exploring the World of Crusting and Breading.

A Sauce Made for Dipping

---

---

The creamy dipping sauce served with this popcorn chicken leans into a sweet-and-spicy balance inspired by dishes like Kale Sweet Potato Chicken Salad With A Mango Chipotle Dressing and Baked Chicken Tenders with Honey BBQ Dipping Sauce – Perfect for Every Season.

---

---

That combination of gentle heat and mellow sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty, crunchy coating on the chicken.

What You Will Need To Make Crispy Baked Buttermilk Popcorn Chicken

Crispy baked popcorn chicken made with buttermilk, panko, cornmeal, and Parmesan. Juicy inside, golden outside, and served with a creamy sweet-spicy dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinate Time; 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer / Main Dish / Snack

Method: Baked

For The Chicken

Extra-virgin olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)

2 pounds chicken breast, skinless, boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 to 1½ cups buttermilk

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika *See Cooks Notes

For The Coating

2 cups panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper *See Cooks Notes

For The Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

---

Cooks Notes

---

---

Paprika and cayenne pepper give this recipe gentle heat and fruity depth, while Aleppo pepper makes a great substitute with its sweet, earthy notes and slow-building warmth. Learn more in our Spices & Flavors Guide.

---

How To Make Crispy Baked Buttermilk Popcorn Chicken

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly grease with olive oil, or place a wire rack over the sheet.

Season chopped chicken with salt and pepper.

To a large bowl, add buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika snd chicken, toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 60 minutes.

In a shallow bowl, combine panko, cornmeal, Parmesan, and cayenne.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press each piece firmly into the crumb mixture until fully coated.

Arrange chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.

Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Optional to broil for 1 to 2 minutes for extra color and crunch.

---

---

Dipping Sauce

Stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne. Serve alongside the popcorn chicken.

---

Still hungry? These recent recipes are ready when you are.

---

More Deliciously Yummy Recipes

• Ultimate Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken & Charred Brussels Sprouts
• How the Cooking Method of Using an Instant Pot Benefits the Preparation of Soups: 9 Powerful Advantages You Should Know
• Harvest Grain Bowl with Crispy Sausage, Chorizo & Aleppo-Lime Butter – A Bold, Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave
• Crispy Baked Buttermilk Popcorn Chicken
• Baked Chicken Recipes Round Up: 11 Simple, Oven-Baked Family Favorites