This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Baked Popcorn Chicken is made with one seasoned chicken breast and ready in just 10 minutes. The chicken is crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor—perfect when you want something quick and delicious.
Featured Comment
“Great recipe and sooo easy!”
– Jane
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Single Serving: Makes just enough for one.
- Simple Prep: Uses basic ingredients and easy steps.
- Oven-Baked: Crispy without deep frying.
- Full of Flavor: Every bite is seasoned and packed with taste.
There’s something about the first bite of this popcorn chicken that always wins me over – the crispy coating, the tender center, and all that flavor packed into every little piece.
It’s fast, easy, and delivers the kind of crunch that makes this recipe one I keep coming back to.
Enjoy your crispy popcorn chicken with macaroni and cheese for one, single serving smashed potatoes, a fresh tomato salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or small batch sweet potato wedges.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch popcorn chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: Use 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast. If you have an extra, try it in single serving chicken paprika, single serving chicken shawarma, or chicken fajitas for one.
- Seasonings (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt): Paprika adds mild flavor and color, garlic powder adds depth, and salt enhances everything.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light, crispy coating. Homemade breadcrumbs work, but panko gives better crunch. Also used in single serving buffalo cauliflower, mini broccoli casserole, and mini chicken divan.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch up the flavor? Try one of these easy variations:
- Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- BBQ Popcorn Chicken: Toss the baked chicken in BBQ sauce or a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a mild, nutty taste and crispier texture.
- Buffalo Popcorn Chicken: Toss with the same buffalo sauce used in our small batch buffalo chicken tenders for a spicy, tangy option.
- Cajun Popcorn Chicken: Use Cajun or our homemade Creole seasoning blend for bold, zesty flavor with a bit of spice.
How To Make Popcorn Chicken
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a single serving of the best popcorn chicken. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and garlic powder. Add melted butter to a second bowl and breadcrumbs to a third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in butter (letting the excess drip off), then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through after 5 minutes, until fully cooked.
Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces
Serve this baked popcorn chicken on its own or with one of these simple dipping sauces:
- Hot Honey Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter and stir in 2 tablespoons honey, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (or more to taste).
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: Use our homemade BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy option.
- Creamy Ranch Dip: Try our homemade ranch dressing for a cool, creamy contrast.
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter and mix with 1 teaspoon hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
Expert Tips
- Cut Evenly: Slice chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Pat Dry: Dry the chicken with paper towels before coating to help the flour and spices stick.
- Preheat Oven: Make sure the oven is fully preheated for the best crispy texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can cut and season the chicken in advance, but coat and bake it just before serving for the best texture.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serve popcorn chicken recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Popcorn Chicken For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons salted butter -melted (¼ cup / ½ stick)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 (5 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast -cut into ½ inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In one bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and garlic powder. Add melted butter to a second bowl and breadcrumbs to a third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip in butter (letting the excess drip off), then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through after 5 minutes, until fully cooked.
Notes
- Cut Evenly: Slice chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Pat Dry: Dry the chicken with paper towels before coating to help the flour and spices stick.
- Preheat Oven: Make sure the oven is fully preheated for the best crispy texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi! Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken for this?
I haven’t tested this recipe with rotisserie chicken, but since the breading is designed to cook with the chicken, it may not adhere as well to pre-cooked meat. If you want to try it, you could coat small pieces of rotisserie chicken in the melted butter and breadcrumbs, then bake just until the coating is crisp. However, the texture and flavor may be different from the original recipe.
This was a nice change of pace for me. For a dipping sauce I used the hot mango chutney I had in the fridge and it was yummy!
Thanks as always Joanie.
great recipe and sooo easy! Thanks
Nice dipped in a Chinese Orange Sauce. Tender chicken in a coating that grasps a favorite sauce.
I made the popcorn chicken this afternoon as a snack.
It was crunchy and cooked through, 6 minutes before turning over then repeated.
I was trying to get the same colour as yours were but…it didn’t happen.
I will make again and thinking i may put the Panco into a small plastic bag or ziplock bag drop the pieces of chicken in 2 or 3 at a time, would coat the chicken and not be so messy as I was and the extra crumbs can be pushed into the chicken pieces by hand if needs be…while still in the bag that is.
Thank you for the time taken to make this a recipe for 1.
Can I use an airfryer? If so, time / temperature please
I haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer, so I’m not sure about the exact time or temperature. You might want to check your air fryer’s manual for guidance on cooking similar types of foods. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Hi!! I’ve never heard of dipping in butter, it’s always been an egg mixture! Why the butter? Does it help with the baking process? Are there any alternatives??
Thank you!
Great question! Years ago, I learned from Ina Garten that she dipped her chicken in melted butter, and I’ve been doing it ever since—it really makes a difference! The butter adds flavor and helps create a wonderful, crispy coating in the oven. Alternatively, you could try dredging the chicken in buttermilk, but I find the butter gives the best results for baked popcorn chicken.