• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact

Let’s Cook Chicken!

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Frozen popcorn chicken

    Published: Sep 18, 2023 by Chichi. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Frozen popcorn chicken

    Share this recipe!

    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Flipboard
    Jump to Recipe

    Got a bag of frozen popcorn chicken and you are wondering the best way to cook it for a quick and easy busy weeknight dinner. We’ve got 3 options for you, the air fryer, the oven and the microwave. These 3 methods work but if you want crispy popcorn chicken for your copycat KFC famous bowl, the air fryer or the oven are your best options.

    This recipe post contains helpful tips, tricks and answers to FAQs. Please read through to ensure you get the recipe right when you try it.

    Table of Contents

    • Frozen popcorn chicken in the oven.
    • Why you’ll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Tools used for this recipe
    • How long to cook
    • How to cook frozen popcorn chicken
    • What to serve with popcorn chicken
    • How to store
    • Tips
    • FAQs
    • More Recipes like this
    • How to cook frozen popcorn chicken

    Frozen popcorn chicken in the oven.

    There are many ways to enjoy popcorn chicken for dinner. Baking in the oven is just one of them. You can serve as is with your favorite dipping sauce, we love Mayocue and Mayo ketchup or use it to top off your salads and homemade KFC famous bowl.

    Like wings and fries, frozen popcorn chicken goes well with all types of fries.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    Easy to make

    Versatile

    Family friendly and picky eater approved!

    Ingredients

    Bag of frozen popcorn chicken of choice. I used Tyson frozen popcorn chicken. You can use Perdue or store brands for this.

    Dipping sauce of choice

    Sides such as baked potatoes or French fries

    Tools used for this recipe

    The list below may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate and affiliate to other merchants, this website may earn from qualifying purchases. Please read full disclosure here.

    • Baking sheet
    • Kitchen tongs
    • Parchment paper
    • Air fryer for the air fryer method.

    How long to cook

    Cooking times vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the chicken pieces. Typically, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) and 10 to 12 mins in the air fryer at 400°F(200°C)

    How to cook frozen popcorn chicken

    See printable recipe card at the end of this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions!

    In the oven

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) / Gas mark 6

    While the oven preheats, line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Then arrange the frozen popcorn chicken on the lined baking sheet.

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 mins turning the chicken halfway through with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking. The internal temp of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked and safe for consumption. Feel free to add more time as needed.

    In the air fryer

    Place popcorn chicken in the air fryer basket, no need to preheat. Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 10 to 12 mins or until heated through.

    In the microwave

    Line a microwave safe plate with paper towel. Place frozen popcorn chicken on the line plate. For 3 pieces, heat on high for 1 to 1½ mins, for 6 pieces, 2 to 2½ mins, for 9 pieces, 2½ to 3 minutes.

    After heating, let it stand for a minute or 2 before serving.

    What to serve with popcorn chicken

    Popcorn chicken can be served with your favorite dipping sauce. Such as ketchup, Dijonnaise, Bbq Mayo, bbq sauce, sriracha aioli, etc.

    These go well with French fries, cabbage pierogi, baked potatoes, air fried baby potatoes etc.

    Add some crunch to your salads or chicken sandwiches using this baked popcorn chicken.

    How to store

    I usually recommend reheating frozen popcorn chicken as needed so you don’t have leftovers. However if you find that you have leftovers, let it cool completely then transfer to an air tight container before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    To reheat place in a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) in a preheated oven for 15 mins or until heated through. In the air fryer reheat at 350°F for 3 to 5 mins or until heated through.

    For the microwave, heat on 30 secs intervals till heated through.

    Tips

    While lining the baking sheet with parchment is optional, I like to do so to aid easy clean up.

    Lining the microwave safe plate with paper towel helps to absorb moisture from condensation giving it a good chance at getting a tad crispy ( want it really crispy, your best option of the oven or microwave)

    Do not overcrowd the baking sheet, air fryer or microwave safe plate when cooking.

    FAQs

    What is popcorn chicken?

    Popcorn chicken is bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a seasoned breading cooked. They are typically cooked by baking or frying.

    Can I microwave frozen popcorn chicken?

    Yes you can microwave frozen popcorn chicken, however, it's not the best method for achieving a crispy texture. Microwaving may make them soft instead of crunchy.

    Also be sure to check that the brand you are using is fully cooked and frozen. If it’s raw and frozen, it’s best to use the air fryer or oven.

    Are there vegetarian or vegan alternatives to frozen popcorn chicken?

    Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives made from plant-based ingredients like tofu or tempeh. These products mimic the taste and texture of chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken.

    Can I reheat leftover cooked frozen popcorn chicken?

    Yes, you can reheat leftover cooked frozen popcorn chicken in the oven, air fryer or microwave, but keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as when freshly cooked if you use the microwave.

    Are there gluten-free options for frozen popcorn chicken?

    Yes, some brands offer gluten-free frozen popcorn chicken for individuals with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Check the product label for gluten-free certification to confirm before using.

    How can I use frozen popcorn chicken in recipes?

    Certainly! You can incorporate frozen popcorn chicken into recipes like salads, wraps, sandwiches, etc you can also use it as toppings for pizza.

    One of our favorite ways to use it is in this Copycat KFC famous bowl.

    More Recipes like this

    • Chicken tenders and fries
    • Frozen chicken nuggets and fries
    • Check out all our chicken recipes.

    Did you find this post helpful? Please leave a comment below and use the star rating to let us know how much you enjoyed it.

    Have you shared this recipe yet? This is the time to use the share buttons and share this chicken recipe with your family and friends.

    Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon! If you’d love more chicken recipes, sign up for our free newsletter and come hang out with us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Tiktok and YouTube for updates.

    For now…. Let’s cook chicken!

    Love it? Pin it!

    How to cook frozen popcorn chicken

    Got a bag of frozen popcorn chicken and you are wondering the best way to cook it for a quick and easy busy weeknight dinner. We’ve got 3 options for you, the air fryer, the oven and the microwave. 
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 220 kcal

    Equipment

    • Kitchen tongs
    • parchment paper (optional)
    • Meat thermometer (recommended)

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 lb frozen popcorn chicken
    • ¼ Cup Ketchup

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) while the oven is preheating, line the baking sheet with parchment.
    • Arrange the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 mins flipping halfway through cooking time. Feel free to add more time if needed.
    • The internal temperature should be at least 165°F / 74°C to be considered safe to eat.
    • Serve with fries, make a sandwich or use as a salad topping.

    Notes

    • No need to thaw, cook from frozen..
    • Don’t forget to flip the popcorn chicken halfway through cooking time.
    • Adjust cooking time if needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 440mgSugar: 1g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More recipes to try next!

    • Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe
    • Buffalo chicken quesadillas
    • Crispy Panko chicken recipe
    • Creamy chicken tagliatelle pasta.

    Share this recipe!

    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Flipboard

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mae says

      September 24, 2023 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      This was great! I used my air fryer for some popcorn chicken and used it to top a salad. It was scrumptious!

      Reply
    2. Emma says

      September 26, 2023 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      I appreciated this article providing multiple options rather than just one recipe! I made in the oven, cleanup was simple too since it all baked on one sheet! thank you 🙂 Next I'll try making them in the air fryer I recently bought!

      Reply
    3. Jenna says

      September 26, 2023 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      This is so helpful, I recently moved out to go to college and my roommates and I realised that we should have listened to our mums more as we don't really know how to make anything but anything but pasta with marinara and cheese.
      We bought an airfryer and a toaster oven and are trying to each cook something each week.
      I made popcorn chicken with corn on the cob and slaw (from walmart 🤷🏻‍♀️) and we loved it.

      Reply
    4. Lou says

      September 27, 2023 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      My kids live on this popcorn chicken! It is a great after school snack and my kids make the air fryer version all by themselves. Another great kid friendly meal is the air fryer Tyson chicken fingers.

      Reply
      • Chichi says

        November 16, 2023 at 6:20 pm

        Oh yes! I love the Tyson chicken tenders too. Super easy and tasty.

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    So what do you think? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Nutrition Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Shop
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Let’s Cook Chicken!

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.