Gluten Free KFC Popcorn Chicken

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Satisfy your cravings for crispy, flavorful popcorn chicken with this gluten-free twist on a fast-food favorite. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, this bite-sized treat is ideal for parties, game days, or a delicious snack at home. Enjoy all the crunch and taste without the gluten, making it a perfect option for everyone to enjoy.

Tessa Wright

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-13T09:35:12.795Z

This gluten-free popcorn chicken recipe brings the beloved fast-food classic into your kitchen without the gluten. With a savory blend of spices and a crispy coating, these bite-sized pieces of chicken are as satisfying as their traditional counterparts.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This gluten-free popcorn chicken recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a casual weekend gathering, or simply craving a snack at home, these crispy bites will win over everyone's taste buds. With their golden color and satisfying crunch, they’re not just food; they’re a celebration of flavor.

Serving this dish at parties adds an element of fun and excitement. Guests will enjoy the bite-sized pieces that are easy to pop in their mouths. You can also customize the seasoning to fit your audience’s preferences, ensuring that every guest walks away satisfied. They’re a guaranteed hit, no matter the event.

Healthier Fast Food Alternative

When you're looking for something quick yet healthier than traditional fast food, this gluten-free popcorn chicken is your answer. By preparing it at home, you control the ingredients and avoid the excess preservatives and unhealthy fats often found in restaurant versions. This way, you can indulge in a classic favorite while keeping your health in mind.

Additionally, using gluten-free flour makes this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions, allowing everyone to enjoy a crunchy treat. It’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of the fast-food experience into your kitchen without compromising on healthfulness.

Tips for the Perfect Crunch

Achieving that perfect crunch is all about the frying technique. Ensure your oil is hot enough before you start frying—ideally around 350°F. This temperature will allow the chicken to develop a crispy exterior quickly, sealing in moisture and flavor. Test the temperature with a small piece of chicken; if it sizzles upon contact, you're ready to go!

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying. Frying in batches lets each piece have room to breathe, preventing them from steaming and ensuring a crispy finish. After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy longer as any excess oil can drain away.

Ingredients

For the Popcorn Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Oil for frying

Preparation Steps

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk.

Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Enjoy your homemade gluten-free popcorn chicken!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover gluten-free popcorn chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its crispiness, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. This little trick goes a long way in keeping your leftovers enjoyable.

Reheating is simple! For best results, pop the chicken back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps regain that delightful crunch compared to microwaving, which tends to make fried foods soggy.

Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your popcorn chicken experience with some delicious dipping sauces. Classic choices like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch are crowd-pleasers and complement the crispy bites wonderfully. You can even try out various homemade sauces to experiment with different flavor profiles.

Serve your popcorn chicken with a refreshing side salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal. Not only do these options provide nutrition, but they also create a colorful presentation that will impress your guests. Everyone loves a dish that is not only delicious but visually appealing!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of flour?

Yes, but be sure to use another gluten-free flour blend.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Gluten Free KFC Popcorn Chicken

Satisfy your cravings for crispy, flavorful popcorn chicken with this gluten-free twist on a fast-food favorite. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, this bite-sized treat is ideal for parties, game days, or a delicious snack at home. Enjoy all the crunch and taste without the gluten, making it a perfect option for everyone to enjoy.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Tessa Wright

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Popcorn Chicken

  1. 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  2. 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  3. 1 tsp garlic powder
  4. 1 tsp onion powder
  5. 1 tsp paprika
  6. 1 tsp salt
  7. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  8. 1/2 cup buttermilk
  9. Oil for frying

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk.

Step 02

Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 03

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g