Delicious Popcorn Chicken: How Many Pieces In 3 Oz?

Popcorn chicken is a popular snack, but how many pieces are in a 3 oz serving? This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer may vary depending on the brand. For example, Perdue popcorn chicken has around 12 pieces in a 3 oz serving, while Tyson Any'tizers has 7 pieces in the same-sized serving.

Perdue Popcorn Chicken: 12 pieces

Perdue Popcorn Chicken is a convenient and tasty snack or meal option. The chicken is made from white meat chicken breast, with no fillers, and is coated in a seasoned breading. It is fully cooked and can be quickly heated from frozen, making it a great choice for those short on time.

Perdue has been in the chicken business since 1920 and is a family-owned company that works with a network of small US family farmers. They pride themselves on their commitment to animal care and raising healthy poultry. Perdue chickens are raised on an all-vegetarian diet with no antibiotics, animal by-products, or hormones. This commitment to quality means Perdue guarantees better-tasting chicken.

The Perdue Popcorn Chicken comes in a 26 oz package and can be prepared in a variety of ways. For a preferred conventional/toaster oven method, preheat your oven to 425°F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the frozen pieces in a single layer and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150-160°F. You can also use an air fryer or microwave oven to heat your desired portion of 12 pieces (3 oz).

For the air fryer, preheat to 350°F and place a single layer of frozen pieces in the basket. Heat for about 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For the microwave, place the desired portion of 12 pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat uncovered on high for 2.5 to 3.5 minutes, turning halfway. Let the chicken stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Calories in 3 oz: 170

A 3-oz serving of Perdue popcorn chicken bites contains about 170 calories. This serving size includes around 12 pieces of popcorn chicken, each weighing approximately 0.25 oz.

The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific product. For example, a 3-oz serving of Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken contains 170 calories as well, but it consists of 7 pieces rather than 12.

It's important to note that the recommended daily calorie intake is generally set at 2,000 calories for the average adult. However, individual energy needs may vary, resulting in different recommended daily values for different people.

To put the calorie count of 3 oz of popcorn chicken into perspective, consider the following activities and the approximate time it would take for a 35-year-old female who is 5'7" tall and weighs 144 lbs to burn off those calories:

• Swimming: 14 minutes
• Jogging: 20 minutes
• Cycling: 26 minutes
• Walking: 47 minutes

Oven cooking instructions

A serving of 3 oz of popcorn chicken is typically around 7 to 12 pieces.

Firstly, preheat your oven to 325°F to 425°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil. You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil, or a blend of olive and vegetable oil.

Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized or small pieces. You can season the chicken with salt and a little sugar before placing it in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes to keep it firm. In a separate bowl, prepare a flour mixture by combining flour, powdered sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. You can also add whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier option. In another bowl, mix together eggs, milk, and any desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Then, dip them into the egg mixture. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken into crushed cornflakes or try using potato chips, Ritz crackers, panko, or a combination of panko and cornmeal.

Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray or oil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces over and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 150°F to 165°F (75°C).

Your oven-baked popcorn chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as an appetizer or a kid-friendly meal with your choice of sides.

Air fryer cooking instructions

Popcorn chicken is a great snack that can be made in an air fryer in a healthier way than traditional frying methods. The amount of chicken you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer, but it's important to ensure there is space between each piece so that they cook evenly and get crispy.

Firstly, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs, but the taste and texture will be slightly different. Place the chicken pieces into a bowl or bag and add flour, stirring or shaking until the chicken is completely coated. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine. You can also add a bit of hot sauce to this mixture for extra flavor. In another bowl, add crushed cornflakes. You can also use potato chips, Ritz crackers, panko, or panko and cornmeal mixed.

Next, dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then roll it in the cornflakes, gently pressing the cornflake mixture into the chicken. If you want to ensure your breading gets crispy, you can toast the panko crumbs in a little oil before breading the chicken. This will add about five minutes to your prep time.

Now you are ready to cook your popcorn chicken in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 390 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the basket insert with olive oil, then place the chicken pieces inside, ensuring they are not crowded. Mist the tops and sides of the chicken generously with olive oil, then close the lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and warm, flipping the chicken halfway through. If your chicken is store-bought and precooked, you may need to cook it for longer, around 14 minutes.

You can freeze any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen chicken in the air fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through.

Microwave cooking instructions

A serving of 3 oz of popcorn chicken typically contains around 7 to 12 pieces. This can vary depending on the brand and the size of the individual pieces.

• Prepare a microwave-safe plate by lining it with two white paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and moisture during the cooking process.
• Place a single layer of frozen popcorn chicken pieces on the paper towels. Make sure the pieces are not overlapping and have some space around them for even cooking.
• Set your microwave to the highest power setting. Microwave the chicken for 1 ½ to 2 minutes for a half carton (approximately 1.5 oz) or 3 to 5 minutes for a full carton (3 oz). Adjust the cooking time depending on your microwave's wattage and your desired level of crispness.
• Once the microwave stops, let the chicken rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This standing time allows the chicken to finish cooking and ensures that it will be hot and crispy.
• Use oven mitts or pot holders to carefully remove the plate from the microwave, as the plate and chicken will be very hot. Serve and enjoy!

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of popcorn chicken and the specific model of your microwave. Always refer to the package instructions for specific cooking guidelines and ensure that you follow food safety guidelines to avoid undercooking.

Frequently asked questions