Crispy KFC popcorn chicken with tasty dips

KFC Popcorn Chicken Recipe, Price & Calories 2026

ByDean Michael

Many people are asking the same question: what happened to kfc popcorn chicken?
Some say it is gone. Others say it is back. This confusion is driving searches.

Yes, it is permanently discontinued in early 2023.

Explore: KFC Menu USA

KFC Popcorn Chicken Buckets in Canada

While KFC popcorn chicken is not available in United States, however if you are in Canada, you can enjoy small, medium and large popcorn chicken buckets.

Small KFC Popcorn Chicken

Small Popcorn Chicken

Serving Size: 86g
Cal: 220

$8.89
Large KFC Popcorn Chicken

Large Popcorn Chicken

Serving Size: 1 Person
Cal: 1030- 1310

$15.79
KFC popcorn chicken Bucket

Popcorn Chicken Bucket

Serving Size: 1 Person
Cal: 1440

$15.99

Why Did KFC Replace Popcorn Chicken with Nuggets?

KFC focuses on efficiency and consistency.

Factor

Nuggets Advantage

Production

Easier to standardize

Cooking time

Faster

Cost

Lower preparation cost

Supply chain

More consistent

This makes nuggets easier to manage globally. However, customers usually complains about nuggets dry and crusty texture and want popcorn chicken back to KFC menu.

Read also: KFC Sauces List, Review & Ran

KFC Popcorn Chicken vs Nuggets

Feature

Popcorn Chicken

Nuggets

Size

Small, bite-sized

Larger, uniform

Texture

Crispy outside, juicy inside

Often softer or dense

Flavor

Strong seasoning

Mild flavor

Experience

Snack-style

Meal-style

Popularity

Highly loved

Mixed reviews

Calories & Nutrition

Nutrient

Value

Calories

351 kcal

Protein

18 g

Total Fat

22 g

Saturated Fat

4 g

Trans Fat

0.16 g

Cholesterol

40 mg

Sodium

1140 mg

Total Carbohydrates

21 g

Dietary Fiber

1 g

Sugar

0 g

Check also: KFC Double Down Sandwich

Crispy Popcorn Chicken (KFC-Style Copycat Recipe)

Crispy homemade KFC popcorn chicken recipe
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooking Method: Shallow fry
  • Texture: Crispy outside, juicy inside

This popcorn chicken is crispy, flavorful, and quick to make. Each batch cooks in just 2 minutes, making it beginner-friendly and fast.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe delivers a better texture than typical fast-food versions. The coating stays crispy, not soggy. The inside remains juicy due to a simple marinade.

It works because of three key steps:

  • Buttermilk marinade keeps chicken tender
  • Flour + cornstarch mix creates crispiness
  • Quick frying locks in moisture

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

  • 500g boneless chicken (breast or thighs)
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ tsp salt

Substitute:
No buttermilk? Mix milk + a little vinegar or yogurt.

Coating (Breading)

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (crushed)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (crushed)
  • ¾ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

For Frying

  • 2½–3½ cups oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation

  • Cut chicken into small cubes (about 1–1.5 cm).
  • For even pieces, slice into strips first, then cut into cubes.
Cut chicken into small cubes (about 1–1.5 cm). For even pieces, slice into strips first, then cut into cubes.

Make the marinade:

  • In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and salt.
  • Add chicken and mix well.
  • Let it marinate for 1 to 3 hours (do not exceed 24 hours).
In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and salt. Add chicken and mix well. Let it marinate for 1 to 3 hours (do not exceed 24 hours).

Prepare the coating:

  • In a wide bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasoning.
  • A wider bowl makes coating faster and easier.
In a wide bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. A wider bowl makes coating faster and easier.

2. Breading (Coating the Chicken)

The goal is to coat many small pieces quickly without mess.

  • Take 3 tablespoons of marinade from the chicken.
  • Drizzle it into the flour mixture.
  • Rub it in to form small clumps.
  • These clumps create extra crunch.
Take 3 tablespoons of marinade from the chicken. Drizzle it into the flour mixture. Rub it in to form small clumps. These clumps create extra crunch.

Coating process:

  • Use one hand for wet (chicken) and one for dry (flour).
  • Pick up chicken and let excess marinade drip off.
  • Spread chicken over the flour mixture.
  • Spoon flour over it, then toss and press gently.
  • Shake off excess flour.
Use one hand for wet (chicken) and one for dry (flour). Pick up chicken and let excess marinade drip off. Spread chicken over the flour mixture. Spoon flour over it, then toss and press gently. Shake off excess flour.

Important:

  • Place coated chicken on a tray.
  • Keep leftover flour for a final coating before frying.
Place coated chicken on a tray. Keep leftover flour for a final coating before frying.

3. Cooking the Popcorn Chicken

Choose your pan:

  • Use a small pot (20 cm) for easier control
  • Use a larger pot only if you are confident
Choose your pan: Use a small pot (20 cm) for easier control Use a larger pot only if you are confident

Heat the oil:

  • Add oil to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) depth
  • Heat to 180°C (350°F)
Add oil to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) depth Heat to 180°C (350°F)

Before frying:

  • Toss chicken again in leftover flour if coating looks wet
  • Separate any stuck pieces

Frying:

  • Add chicken carefully into hot oil
  • Fry in small batches
  • Cook for 2 to 2.5 minutes until golden and crispy
  • Stir halfway to prevent sticking
Add chicken carefully into hot oil Fry in small batches Cook for 2 to 2.5 minutes until golden and crispy Stir halfway to prevent sticking

After frying:

  • Remove chicken with a scoop or strainer
  • Place on paper towels to drain excess oil

Repeat:

  • Fry remaining batches
  • Always re-coat lightly before each batch if needed
How to make KFC popcorn chicken 1

Serving Ideas

  • Serve hot in a bowl or popcorn boxes
  • Pair with sauces:
  • Honey mustard
  • BBQ sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Sweet chili

Check also: Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe

Best Side Dishes

  • Fries or potato wedges
  • Coleslaw
  • Mashed potatoes with gravy
  • Fresh salad

Pro Tips

  • Do not overcrowd the pan
  • Re-coat chicken lightly before frying if it gets wet
  • Use a thermometer for accurate oil temperature
  • Fry in batches for best results

Storage & Reheating

  • Store in fridge for 3–4 days
  • Reheat:
  • Fry again for 30 seconds, or
  • Bake in a hot oven for 3 minutes

This popcorn chicken is crispy, fast, and easy to make. The combination of marinade, seasoning, and quick frying gives the best texture and flavor.

What Does KFC Popcorn Chicken Taste Like?

kfc popcorn chicken tastes crispy, savory, and slightly peppery with a strong, well-seasoned flavor. The outer coating is crunchy and golden, while the inside stays soft and juicy. It has a mild spice kick but is not too hot, making it enjoyable for most people. The taste is rich and slightly salty, with a classic fried chicken flavor that feels satisfying in every bite.

Compared to nuggets or tenders, kfc popcorn chicken feels lighter, crispier, and more snackable. Each piece is small, so you get a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness. Nuggets are usually softer and less flavorful, while tenders are bigger and less crispy per bite. This is why many people prefer popcorn chicken for its texture, bold taste, and easy-to-eat size.

Where Is KFC Popcorn Chicken Still Available?

It is still available in some regions:

  • United Kingdom
  • India
  • Australia
  • Pakistan (limited locations)

How to Order KFC Popcorn Chicken?

  1. Open KFC website or app
  2. Select your location
  3. Check menu availability
  4. Add item to cart
  5. Place order

Ordering in-store

  • Visit nearest KFC outlet
  • Ask staff directly
  • Check display menu

Sometimes items are available in-store but not listed online.

FAQs

Is KFC popcorn chicken discontinued permanently?

Yes, it is permanently discontinued in United States. It is often removed and brought back as a limited-time item depending on location like Canada, UK, Australia.

Is KFC popcorn chicken dairy free?

No, it is usually not dairy-free. The coating or marinade may contain milk or dairy ingredients like buttermilk.

Is there egg in KFC popcorn chicken?

Yes, egg is typically used to help the coating stick to the chicken.

Is KFC popcorn chicken coming back?

Yes, it often returns as a limited-time menu item. Availability depends on region.

Is KFC popcorn chicken healthy?

It is not very healthy. It is high in calories, fat, and sodium. Best eaten occasionally.

Is KFC popcorn chicken spicy?

No, it is usually not very spicy. It has a mild peppery flavor, not strong heat.

Is popcorn chicken better than nuggets?

Most users prefer popcorn chicken for:

  • Better crunch
  • Stronger flavor

How many calories are in KFC popcorn chicken?

Calories range from 250 to 700 kcal, depending on portion size.

Will kfc bring back popcorn chicken

As of April 2026, there are no official plans for a national return, as the nuggets and other new items have taken their place in the US market. However, it is available in Canada.

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