This recipe of Gluten Free Popcorn Chicken is 100% addictive and will please your little ones and adults equally. The process is very simple, but does take a little bit of time. We love chopping the chicken into bit-size or popcorn sized pieces. You could definitely have larger pieces of chicken if you wanted too. You would just need to adjust the frying and baking times.
This recipe works best when using a ribbed baking sheet during the step where you finish cooking the chicken pieces by baking them in the oven. I know not everyone has this type of pan, but without it, your chicken pieces can get a soggy bottom, and no one wants that.:). It’s totally worth getting a ribbed baking sheet for this recipe. Plus this type of baking sheet is the best to use when oven roasting veggies or these gluten free tacos (that you can sometimes find at Costco-but not always).
Gluten Free Popcorn Chicken
Equipment
- 1 ribbed baking sheet
- 1 large skillet for frying
- 1 cheese grater
- bowls, spoons, spatulas, etc
- measuring cups, spoons,
Ingredients
- 3 C diced chicken breast
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 2 C gluten free Panko crumbs
- 1/2 C parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and gather ribbed baking sheet and set aside.
- Dice chicken breast into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl(or large cereal bowl) add the eggs and whisk well.
- In a large gallon sized zippered plastic bag, place panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Shake well to combine.
- Take about 1/3 of the chicken pieces, or 1 cup, and place into the egg mixture and coat the chicken pieces well. Then carefully strain them out of the eggs and place them into the bag of seasoned panko crumbs. Shake well to coat all the chicken pieces. Set chicken pieces on a large plate.
- Repeat until all the chicken pieces are done.
- In a large skillet, add 2-3 TBSP light olive oil. When oil is hot and ready, start browning the chicken. You will need to do this in batches as all the chicken won't fit into one skillet. You will need to flip the chicken using a spatula or tongs. I use both. Once chicken has been nicely browned, remove to the ribbed baking sheet.
- You will need to add a bit more olive oil for each batch of chicken you brown. Continue browning until all the chicken pieces are done.
- Place the ribbed baking sheet with chicken pieces into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through( 165 F).
- Serve immediately with your favorite BBQ sauce.
We love dipping these gluten free popcorn chicken pieces in Kinders BBQ sauce. It’s our absolute favorite sauce! They make several varieties of BBQ sauce, but we usually just get the regular mild. We’re kind-of regular people here at the Drennan household.
I love 4C Foods Gluten Free Panko Crumbs. I can always find them at my local Walmart. But I am sure any gluten free crumbs will work.
I hope this recipe helps you have fun in the kitchen while you are trying to feed your family.
Happy Cooking!
Emma
PS Need another fun recipe to try? Give my Cheesy Garlic and Bacon Potato Bites a try! These would go great with this popcorn chicken.
