High Protein Crispy Korean Popcorn Chicken

A high-protein meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor! This Korean-style popcorn chicken is glazed in a sweet-spicy sauce and served with vinegared sticky rice. Whether you're meal-prepping or treating yourself to a weekend feast, this one’s a keeper.

🔥 Recipe Highlights

• 50g protein per serving
• Air fryer or pan-fry options
• Sticky rice with a sweet-savory twist
• Keeps well for up to 5 days

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🧑‍🍳 Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the corn flour: It gives the best crispy texture—regular flour makes the coating soggy once sauced.
• Microwave with a splash of water: Keeps reheated meals from drying out.
• Let sticky rice cool before seasoning—it helps the vinegar absorb without breaking the grains.
• Season your flour for more flavor in the crust.
• Double the glaze if you like it extra saucy (many users did!).

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🍚 How to Make Sticky Rice

Sticky rice isn’t just “rice that’s sticky.” Use glutinous rice (not jasmine or basmati). Rinse until water runs clear, then cook with a 1:1 ratio of water. If you're using a rice cooker, follow its sticky rice setting if available.

Let it cool for 10 mins, then mix in:

• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sweetener
• Salt to taste

This mimics sushi-style rice and complements the glaze beautifully.

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💬 Community Q&A & Fixes

“Can I use flour instead of corn flour?”
You can, but it won’t be as crispy. A lot of people said the sauce made it soggy without corn flour.

“What if I don’t have gochujang?”
Try sriracha (half the amount), but it won’t be quite the same. Gochujang is uniquely savory and sweet.

“Can I deep fry instead of air fry?”
Yes, deep frying works great. Just make sure oil is hot enough (around 180°C) for a crispy crust.

“Can I use chicken thigh instead?”
Absolutely. It’ll be juicier but slightly higher in fat.

“How do I store and reheat?”
Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat with 1 tsp of water in the microwave for 2.5–3 minutes.

“Can this be frozen?”
Yes, freeze glazed chicken separately from rice. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or air fryer for best texture.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Korean popcorn chicken isn’t just another meal prep—it’s a flavor bomb with macros to match. Based on the TikTok love, it’s become a weeknight staple for many. If you’re serious about high-protein meals that don’t taste like cardboard, give this one a go.

Have questions or tweaks? Drop them in the comments or tag @PanaceaPalm on TikTok!