Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken features bite-sized, crispy fried chicken pieces seasoned with a savory blend of garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness, delivering a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender interior perfect for snacking or sharing.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Kitchen tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet or wire rack
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
When preparing Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best balance of juiciness and flavor. Combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates the perfect crispy coating essential to achieving the signature crunch. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and both black and white pepper enhances the savory notes while soy sauce, sugar, mirin, honey, and minced garlic add a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly with a golden, crunchy exterior without becoming greasy. Your homemade Popsorn Chicken from Bonchon's copycat menu will deliver the ideal crispy texture and savory-sweet taste, perfect for snacking or sharing.
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, mirin, and honey. Whisk to blend.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade; toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade; let excess liquid drip off.
- Dip chicken pieces first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Carefully add coated chicken pieces into hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–6 minutes; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
- Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken copycat recipe replicates the signature crispy texture and savory, garlicky flavor profile with a sweet soy glaze. You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, but expect a slightly drier texture. If mirin or rice wine isn't available, a combination of white grape juice and a splash of vinegar can mimic the sweetness and acidity. For frying, vegetable oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil works best to maintain crispiness. Make sure to use a food thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady around 350degF (175degC) for perfect golden results.
Tips
Make sure to pat your chicken pieces dry after marinating to prevent soggy batter and ensure a crispier texture. Use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this lowers the oil temperature and causes uneven frying results. Your patience during the frying process will reward you with perfectly golden, crunchy popcorn chicken every time.
Nutritions
Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken provides a rich source of protein from boneless, skinless chicken thighs, essential for muscle repair and growth. The batter, composed of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, adds carbohydrates for energy, while the frying process increases the calorie content due to oil absorption. Seasonings like garlic and soy sauce contribute minimal calories but enhance flavor and contain antioxidants and sodium. Your portion size will impact the overall nutritional value, so consuming it in moderation supports balanced energy intake without excess fats.
Storage
Store Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken in an airtight container to maintain its crispy texture and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken. Your leftovers will retain flavor and juiciness best when reheated using these methods.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or five-spice powder to add unique flavor profiles to your Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken. Instead of soy sauce, try using tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free marinade alternative while preserving that umami taste. For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and flour coating process before frying. Adjusting frying oil temperature to 360degF (182degC) briefly after the initial cook can ensure an even crunch without overcooking the meat.
Allergies
Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken contains common allergens such as soy from the soy sauce and egg used in the batter, which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The wheat-based all-purpose flour is another potential allergen, especially for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Bonchon's Popcorn Chicken is renowned for its crispy, double-fried texture that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Each piece is carefully marinated in a unique blend of Korean spices, providing a flavorful punch that stands out from typical fried chicken offerings. The balance of savory seasoning and juicy tenderness makes it a favorite among customers, creating an irresistible snack or meal option. You should try to make the copycat recipe to enjoy this authentic taste at home while impressing family and friends with a restaurant-quality treat.