In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and spices (coriander, paprika, and granulated garlic). This will be the perfect coating for your chicken to get those flavors dancing!
Take your chicken cubes and toss them in the flour mixture until each piece is well coated on all sides. Don’t be shy—make sure they’re fully covered for maximum crispiness!
Now, dunk each flour-coated chicken piece into the buttermilk. This adds moisture and helps the next layer of coating stick.
Here comes the magic crunch! Roll each chicken piece in panko breadcrumbs until they’re fully covered. The panko is what gives these chicken bites their irresistible crispy exterior.
In a deep pan or fryer, heat your oil to about 350°F. A good rule of thumb: the oil is ready when a small breadcrumb dropped in sizzles and rises to the top.
Carefully place 5-6 chicken pieces into the hot oil at a time. Fry them for 6-7 minutes, turning with a spatula so they fry evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and transfer them to a plate lined with napkins. This will help soak up any extra oil, leaving you with perfectly crispy popcorn chicken.