Dairy-Free Crispy Chicken Poppers

Perfectly golden and irresistibly crunchy, these Dairy-Free Crispy Chicken Poppers are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast, these poppers are coated in a flavorful dairy-free “buttermilk” created with almond milk and apple cider vinegar, then dredged in a seasoned flour mix featuring a hint of paprika and cayenne for a subtle kick. Deep-fried to perfection, their light, crispy texture pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even as a snack. Whether you're avoiding dairy or just want a lighter alternative, these homemade chicken poppers deliver big on flavor and crunch without compromise.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar to create a dairy-free 'buttermilk.' Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

Step 4

Dip each chicken piece into the almond milk mixture to coat completely, then transfer to the flour mixture. Turn to coat evenly and shake off any excess flour.

Step 5

Prepare a plate or tray with paper towels to drain the cooked chicken poppers.

Step 6

In a deep frying pan or skillet, pour the vegetable oil until it reaches about 1 inch in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).

Step 7

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken poppers into the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8

Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the exterior.

Step 9

Remove the cooked chicken poppers with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Step 10

Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken poppers.

Step 11

Serve the Dairy-Free Crispy Chicken Poppers hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1326.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4927.1

Total Fat 438.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 271.6g
Cholesterol 390.1mg	0%
Sodium 3994.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 17.7g
Protein 141.9g	0%

Vitamin D 78.1IU	0%
Calcium 493.0mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 1625.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.5%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 11.3%