Servings: 8 servings as an appetizer 3 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces 5 tbsp all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to serve 1 tsp garlic powder 1 cup buttermilk 2 cups panko crumbs 1 cup oil, vegetable or canola
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl and the panko crumbs onto a plate.
Dredge a piece of chicken into the flour mixture until evenly coated then dip in buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Lastly, roll in panko bread crumbs until evenly coated. Transfer to a platter.
Preheat 1-inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Adjust the heat to keep the oil at 350˚F. Fry the popcorn chicken in small batches, leaving space between each piece and flipping as needed.
Fry until golden brown and 165˚F at the deepest part of the chicken on a thermometer. Remove the popcorn chicken from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
Sprinkle hot chicken lightly with salt and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!