KFC Popcorn Chicken Recipe, Price & Calories 2026

Q: Is KFC popcorn chicken discontinued permanently?

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

Q: 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.

Q: Is KFC popcorn chicken healthy?

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

Q: Is KFC popcorn chicken spicy?

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

Q: Is popcorn chicken better than nuggets?

Many users prefer popcorn chicken because it has better crunch and stronger flavor compared to nuggets.

Q: How many calories are in KFC popcorn chicken?

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

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

Table of Contents

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 Popcorn Chicken

Serving Size: 86g
Cal: 220

$8.89

Large Popcorn Chicken

Serving Size: 1 Person
Cal: 1030- 1310

$15.79

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

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

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?

Open KFC website or app
Select your location
Check menu availability
Add item to cart
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.