Popcorn chicken

Popcorn chicken is a popular dish of bite-sized pieces of chicken, typically breast or thigh, that are marinated, coated in a seasoned flour or batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It gets its name from the pieces' resemblance to popped kernels of corn. While its exact origin is debated, it is widely associated with American fast food and Taiwanese street food culture.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the chicken but also high in fat and calories due to the deep-frying process and breading. A typical serving (about 1 cup or 150g) can range from 300 to 450 calories, providing a good source of protein but often with significant sodium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	850 mg
Iron	2 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	6 mg
Selenium	18 mcg
Zinc	2 mg

Per 1 serving (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, popcorn chicken is a prime example of food globalization, with a Taiwanese chain, TKK Fried Chicken, claiming its invention in the 1970s before it became a global fast-food staple. Nutritionally, its small, uniform pieces maximize the crispy surface area, making it a particularly crunchy and snackable form of fried chicken.