Chicken tender pops are bite-sized, crispy, and juicy pieces of fried or baked chicken, perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. With the right seasoning and coating, you can achieve restaurant-style crunch at home! Follow this detailed guide to make your own delicious chicken pops from scratch.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small bite-sized cubes)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or any frying oil)
For Serving (Optional):
- Spicy mayo, ketchup, or honey mustard for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1️⃣ Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
2️⃣ In a bowl, mix the chicken with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3️⃣ Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2️⃣ Take the marinated chicken and coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
💡 Tip: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and re-coating with flour!
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Pops
1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
3️⃣ Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
🔥 Alternative: Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray chicken pieces lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan for extra flavor!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pops
✅ Use cornstarch in the coating – It makes the chicken crispier.
✅ Fry in batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy.
✅ Double coat for extra crunch – Dip in buttermilk twice before coating in flour.
✅ Let them rest before frying – After coating, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to help the flour stick better.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken tender pops at home! Whether deep-fried or air-fried, these bite-sized delights will be a hit for any occasion.
