Popcorn chicken and chicken nuggets are both bite-sized pieces of chicken that have been breaded and fried. However, popcorn chicken is typically smaller and has a lighter breading than chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets are often more uniform in shape and may have a thicker breading. Popcorn chicken, on the other hand, features irregularly shaped chunks of chicken, is marinated for flavor, and can have a lighter, more textured coating. The term "popcorn" implies its small, irregular shape, resembling popped corn kernels.