This is a KFC popcorn chicken copycat recipe. It’s downright addictive – I challenge you to stop at just one! Surprisingly quick, they take just 2 minutes to cook, and just shallow fried at that.
Many people have tried this popcorn chicken now, including an entire crew of builders at my home which is under renovation. I won’t repeat what they actually said when they tried it. People who work as builders in Australia tend to use a lot of flowery language when they’re angry or excited.
The flavour is a copycat of KFC popcorn chicken, with it’s distinct seasoning. But there is one big standout difference – this homemade popcorn chicken is actually crispy. KFC’s is not! It’s rather soft and quite greasy.
For those who are nervous about fried recipes, this popcorn chicken is a good place to start because we are only shallow frying and each batch takes just 2 minutes to cook. Much easier than deep frying whole chicken pieces!.
Are you staring at a plate of crispy popcorn chicken wondering what else to add to make it a complete meal? You’re not alone! I’ve been there many times – those bite-sized pieces of breaded goodness sitting all lonely on the plate, just begging for some tasty companions.
It’s easy to make popcorn chicken, which makes it a great comfort food for game nights, casual get-togethers, or just a lazy dinner. But making it by yourself is like going to a party by yourself; it works, but it’s not nearly as fun!
Today I’m gonna share my favorite sides that’ll transform your popcorn chicken from a simple snack into a memorable meal. These pairings are easy to prepare and will definitely make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Why Popcorn Chicken Deserves Great Sides
Before we dive into the side dishes, let’s take a quick moment to appreciate popcorn chicken. Those premium breaded chicken pops made from 100% chicken breast meat are already delicious on their own. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and perfectly poppable!
But even the best popcorn chicken needs friends. The right sides can:
- Balance the meal with different textures and flavors
- Add nutritional value to your plate
- Turn a simple snack into a satisfying meal
- Give your taste buds more to explore
Now let’s get to the good stuff – what to serve with your popcorn chicken!
1. Dipping Sauces – The Classic Companion
If there’s one thing that should always accompany popcorn chicken, it’s a good dipping sauce. Especially when the chicken hasn’t been cooked in sauces already, dips add that extra burst of flavor that takes each bite to the next level.
Some popular options include:
- Ketchup (the kiddo’s favorite!)
- Mayo (try mixing with sriracha for a spicy kick)
- BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky goodness)
- Mustard (for a tangy contrast)
- Blue cheese dip (perfect if you like it creamy)
- Buffalo sauce (for those who like it hot!)
I personally love offering at least 2-3 different sauces when serving popcorn chicken. It’s fun to mix and match, and everyone can customize their experience.
2. Coleslaw – Fresh and Crunchy
Coleslaw is my go-to side when I want to keep things a bit healthier while still complementing the flavors of popcorn chicken. The cool crisp texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm crunchy chicken.
When you eat fried foods, the creamy dressing in traditional coleslaw helps balance out the sugar and fat. It also gives you some vegetables, which makes me feel a little less bad about eating fried chicken.
If you want to try something different, make slaw with vinegar instead of mayo. It’s less heavy and more sour, which goes well with the salty chicken.
3. Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Combo
If we’re talking about comfort food heaven, then we HAVE to mention mac and cheese with popcorn chicken. This combo is what food dreams are made of!
The cheesy, gooey pasta is the perfect base for the crunchy chicken pieces. If you want your mac and cheese to taste even better, try adding jalapeños or buffalo sauce. The kick of heat goes great with both the creamy pasta and the chicken.
Yes, this combo is definitely high in calories and fat, but sometimes you just gotta treat yourself! It’s worth every single calorie, trust me.
4. Celery and Carrot Sticks – The Light Option
For a refreshing summer starter or side dish, celery and carrot sticks are perfect alongside popcorn chicken. They add a satisfying crunch and freshness that balances the heavier, fried elements.
These veggie sticks work particularly well in:
- Casual dining settings
- Pop-up restaurants
- Weekend street food dining clubs
- Summer picnics
Pair them with blue cheese dip, buffalo sauce, or sriracha mayo for a flavor combo that’ll make everyone happy. It’s also a great way to sneak some veggies onto the plate without much complaint!
5. French Fries – The Crowd-Pleaser
Is there any more iconic pairing than fried chicken and french fries? This classic combo works for a reason – the crispy, salty fries complement the breaded chicken perfectly.
For a twist on this traditional side, consider these variations:
- Sweet potato fries (for a boost of beta carotene and slower carb release)
- Air-fried fries (a “skinny” option with less oil)
- Seasoned fries (try garlic, cajun, or ranch seasonings)
- Waffle fries (for a fun shape and more surface area for dipping!)
I find that thinner, crispier fries work best with popcorn chicken since they have a similar texture and are easy to eat alongside those little chicken bites.
6. Cornbread – The Southern Classic
If you want something more filling and satisfying, cornbread is an excellent choice. This American tradition pairs surprisingly well with popcorn chicken.
The slightly sweet, corny flavor and soft texture create a wonderful contrast to the savory, crispy chicken. Plus, cornbread is relatively inexpensive and easy to make, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
I like to serve warm cornbread with a touch of honey butter on the side. The sweetness really complements the savory chicken in a way that might surprise you if you’ve never tried this combo before!
7. Colorful Salad – The Fresh Alternative
Don’t make the mistake of thinking salads are boring! A colorful, well-constructed salad can be the perfect partner for popcorn chicken.
The key is to create a vibrant mix that includes:
- Yellow bell peppers
- Red onions
- Green leafy vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
This rainbow of colors not only looks beautiful on the plate but also provides a fresh, crisp base for your chicken pops. The vegetables’ natural sweetness and crunch complement the savory, breaded chicken beautifully.
For dressing, something light like a vinaigrette works best – nothing too heavy that might compete with the chicken’s flavors.
Mixing and Matching for Different Occasions
One of the best things about popcorn chicken is how versatile it is. You can tailor your sides depending on the occasion:
For Game Night:
- French fries
- Multiple dipping sauces
- Celery and carrot sticks
For a Casual Family Dinner:
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
For a Healthier Option:
- Colorful salad
- Veggie sticks
- Sweet potato fries
For a Party Platter:
- A variety of dipping sauces
- Small portions of several sides
- Both veggie options and indulgent sides
Tips for Serving Popcorn Chicken
No matter which sides you choose, here are some tips to make your popcorn chicken meal even better:
- Serve fresh and hot – Popcorn chicken is at its crispiest right after cooking
- Provide plenty of napkins – These are finger foods after all!
- Consider portion sizes – A little popcorn chicken goes a long way
- Balance your plate – Try to include something fresh alongside the fried elements
- Have fun with presentation – Use small individual baskets or colorful plates
Final Thoughts
Popcorn chicken doesn’t have to be just a quick snack or appetizer. With the right sides, it transforms into a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re going for ultimate comfort food with mac and cheese, keeping it light with a salad, or sticking with the classic fries, there’s a perfect pairing for every occasion.
My personal favorite combo is popcorn chicken with sweet potato fries, a small side of coleslaw, and at least two dipping sauces (usually ranch and buffalo). What’s yours?
Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect popcorn chicken plate!
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about popcorn chicken has made me hungry. I think I know what I’m having for dinner tonight!
What’s your favorite side to serve with popcorn chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
HOW TO SERVE IT
Tumble it all into a big serving bowl and let everybody dig in (hands!) and help themselves.
If you want to have even more fun, serve it like movie popcorn in paper cups or popcorn boxes. I got the ones in this post from a discount store; they were $2 for five. You can find them on Amazon Australia here.
Flour coating (“breading”) and seasoning
“Breading” refers to coating the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture. It’s is a term used in the US which refers to coating things in breadcrumbs or other dry mixture (like seasoned flour we’re using here) that becomes a crispy crust when cooked.
The word “crumbing” is commonly used in Australia to describe covering food with breadcrumbs. However, I’ve never thought it was the right word to use when there are no breadcrumbs present. So I use the term “breading” which seems a little more universal in the culinary world these days, even though yes, I know breadcrumbs aren’t involved!.
- The Seasoning is a KFC copycat. The ingredients are the same as in my KFC Copycat Fried Chicken recipe, but the amounts have been changed a bit to make Popcorn Chicken. For example, a lot less salt is needed because the chicken pieces are so small compared to big bone-in, skin-on pieces that are much harder for the seasoning to get into. For added flavor, I like to use my fingers to break up the oregano and thyme leaves a bit so they stick to the chicken sticks better.
- Cornflour and flour—Using a mix of flour and cornflour makes the best crust for fried chicken that is crunchy and golden. Plain or all-purpose flour, which is what most people use to coat fried foods, doesn’t get very crispy. It’s pretty crispy right after coming out of the fryer, but it doesn’t last long. Flour, on the other hand, fries up very crisp but doesn’t turn a nice golden color. And putting too much cornflour on something makes it too hard and gets stuck in your teeth. When we use both together, we get perfectly crispy fried chicken with just the right amount of texture!
- Should you use canola, vegetable, or peanut oil for cooking? They all have a neutral flavor and can be heated to the right temperature without burning the chicken or making the oil smoke.
MOST DELICIOUS High Protein Korean Popcorn Chicken ONLY 495 Calories with 50g Protein!
FAQ
What’s a good side for popcorn chicken?
7 Sides To Accompany Popcorn ChickenA dipping sauce. A dipping sauce is just perfect for popcorn chicken, especially the kind that hasn’t been cooked in sauces. Coleslaw. Mac and cheese. Celery and carrot sticks. French fries. Cornbread. Salad.
What are the best sides to serve with chicken?
16 Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken DinnerRoasted Fennel. Butternut Squash Risotto. Crash Hot Potatoes. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms. Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes. Easy Spanish Rice. Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant With Ginger and Miso. Perfect Mashed Potatoes.
What to serve with Korean popcorn chicken?
Classic Steamed Rice. Steamed rice is a timeless companion to Korean fried chicken. Savory Japchae. Spicy Tteokbokki. Crispy Potato Wedges. Pickled Vegetables for A Tangy Bite. Kimchi: A Fermented Favorite. Sweet Corn Cheese. Cold Cucumber Soup.
What condiments go with popcorn chicken?
Use what you want – ketchup, BBQ, sweet and sour, sweet chilli. It’s chicken. You can pretty much use any dipping sauce for it!.