After holding a small-yet-relatively stable spot on United States menus through most of the past decade, popcorn chicken has seen strong growth ssince 2019 as consumers craved comfort foods coming into, and living in, the pandemic.

Popcorn Chicken is in the Ubiquity stage – it skews toward chain and quick-service operators.

Menu inspiration

XLB - Portland, Ore.

Five Spice Popcorn Chicken

Deep fried bite-sized chicken tossed in five-spice powder, served with crispy Thai basil and a lemon wedge.