Where Can I Get Popcorn Chicken Near Me: The Ultimate Guide for Crispy Goodness

Have you ever had that sudden craving for tiny, crispy, perfectly seasoned pieces of chicken that just hit different? I know I have! As a total popcorn chicken addict, I’ve spent WAY too much time tracking down the best spots to satisfy my cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or wanna add some protein-packed goodness to your meal, popcorn chicken is always a winner.

In this guide, I’ll share all my favorite places to get popcorn chicken, from local Taiwanese spots to fast food chains that deliver right to your door. Let’s dive into this crispy, delicious world together!

What Makes Popcorn Chicken So Irresistible?

Before we jump into where to find it, let’s talk about why popcorn chicken has become such a popular snack:

• Perfect bite-size pieces – No need for cutting, just pop ’em in your mouth!
• Crispy outside, juicy inside – That perfect texture contrast
• Versatile seasoning – From Taiwanese-style with basil to Southern-style with cajun spices
• Great for sharing – Though I usually don’t wanna share mine

Best Local Restaurants for Popcorn Chicken

Based on my research and personal experiences, these places in the area serve some of the best popcorn chicken you can find.

Taiwanese-Style Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese popcorn chicken (called yan su ji) is usually seasoned with five-spice powder, white pepper, and sometimes served with fried basil leaves. SO GOOD!

Top spots include

• When 681 people review Yen’s Cafe on Yelp, it’s clear that they’re doing something right! Their Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken is crispy perfection.

• Amore Eats is in Rockville, MD, and has 98 reviews. They are known for serving authentic Taiwanese food.

• Chunky Cup is a fast food and bubble tea place in Woodbridge, VA that has 81 reviews. Their popcorn chicken pairs perfectly with boba!.

• Jumbo Jumbo Cafe – With locations in Ellicott City (119 reviews) and Germantown (152 reviews), they offer amazing Taiwanese popcorn chicken alongside bubble tea.

• Taipei Cafe – This Rockville, MD spot has 514 reviews and serves traditional Taiwanese popcorn chicken that’s worth the trip.

Asian Fusion Spots with Great Popcorn Chicken

• Teas’n You Fusion Tea House – The most reviewed spot on our list with 1383 reviews! Located in Vienna, VA, they pair amazing popcorn chicken with creative tea options.

• China Boy – With 606 reviews, this Washington, DC spot offers delicious Asian fusion dishes including their take on popcorn chicken.

• Momo’s Cafe – A Washington, DC cafe with 214 reviews known for their Asian fusion approach to popcorn chicken.

Fast Food and Chain Restaurants for Popcorn Chicken

Not near any of these local spots? No worries! These chains also serve up some decent popcorn chicken:

• KFC – Their popcorn chicken is a classic for a reason! Available for delivery through most apps.

• Popeyes – While not specifically called popcorn chicken, their nuggets are basically the same thing and SO crispy.

• Bonchon – This Korean chain (with 207 reviews for their Chantilly, VA location) offers a Korean take on popcorn chicken that’s sweet, spicy, and addictive.

• Sonic – Their popcorn chicken is perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Delivery Options for Popcorn Chicken

Don’t wanna leave your couch? (I feel you!) Here’s how to get popcorn chicken delivered right to your door:

Using GrubHub

GrubHub offers popcorn chicken delivery from many restaurants, though their site requires JavaScript to be enabled to view all options. They partner with both local restaurants and chains to bring popcorn chicken right to your door.

Just search for “popcorn chicken” in your area, and you’ll see all available options from nearby restaurants that deliver through GrubHub.

Using DoorDash

DoorDash also has a dedicated “popcorn chicken near me” search that shows all restaurants offering this dish in your area. They have partnerships with many of the restaurants mentioned above.

Using Yelp Delivery

Many of the top-rated popcorn chicken spots on Yelp offer delivery right through the platform. Look for the “Start Order” button next to restaurants like:

• Yen’s Cafe
• Chunky Cup
• Hong Kong Tea House
• Jumbo Jumbo Cafe
• Teas’n You Fusion Tea House
• Yen’s Kitchen and Sushi Bar
• Momo’s Cafe
• One Tea House
• Ridgetop Coffee & Tea

Making Popcorn Chicken at Home

When I’m REALLY craving popcorn chicken but don’t wanna go out, I sometimes make it at home. Here’s a super simple recipe:

Quick Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk and egg mixture for at least 30 minutes
2. Mix flour with all seasonings in a separate bowl
3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture
4. Fry in oil at 350°F until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes)
5. Drain on paper towels and season immediately

For Taiwanese-style, add five-spice powder and white pepper to your seasoning mix and throw in some fried basil leaves at the end!

What to Pair with Your Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is great on its own, but even better with some sides and drinks:

Perfect Sides

• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
• Steamed rice (especially for Asian-style popcorn chicken)
• Pickles

Great Drinks

• Bubble tea (boba) – especially at Taiwanese spots
• Soda
• Lemonade
• Beer (for the adults!)

Finding Popcorn Chicken When Traveling

When I’m in a new city and need my popcorn chicken fix, here’s what I do:

1. Check Yelp and search “popcorn chicken near me”
2. Look for Taiwanese restaurants specifically
3. Check delivery apps to see what’s available nearby
4. Ask locals for recommendations

Why Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Stands Out

If you’ve never tried authentic Taiwanese popcorn chicken, you’re seriously missing out! What makes it special:

• Unique seasoning – The five-spice powder gives it a distinct flavor you won’t find in American versions
• Basil leaves – Many places fry basil leaves along with the chicken, adding an aromatic crunch
• Texture – The coating is typically lighter and crispier than American versions
• Spice level – Often has a nice kick from white pepper

Frequently Asked Questions About Popcorn Chicken

What exactly is popcorn chicken?

Popcorn chicken is made of small, bite-sized pieces of chicken (usually thigh meat) that are breaded and fried until crispy. The name comes from their small size – they’re snackable like popcorn!

Is popcorn chicken the same as chicken nuggets?

Not exactly. Nuggets are usually made from ground chicken that’s formed into shapes, while popcorn chicken is made from actual pieces of chicken meat. Popcorn chicken also tends to be more irregularly shaped and have a different breading style.

Which fast food chain has the best popcorn chicken?

This is subjective, but KFC is known for popularizing popcorn chicken in America. However, many people (including me!) prefer the versions from Taiwanese restaurants or Korean chains like Bonchon.

Can I get popcorn chicken delivered?

Absolutely! GrubHub, DoorDash, and Yelp all offer delivery options from restaurants serving popcorn chicken. Many of the top-rated spots on Yelp have a “Start Order” button right on their listing.

Final Thoughts

My personal recommendation? Try Yen’s Cafe if you’re in the Ashburn area or Teas’n You Fusion Tea House in Vienna – both have amazing reviews and offer that authentic Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken that’ll change your life. And if you’re nowhere near those spots, DoorDash and GrubHub can probably hook you up with something tasty from a place nearby.

Now if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about popcorn chicken has made me hungry. I’m off to place an order myself!