Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, flavorful, and bite-sized delight. Coated in a crunchy breading and baked to perfection, these little chicken bites are tossed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, making them a perfect snack, appetizer, or meal for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier alternative to fried popcorn chicken
- Perfectly crispy without deep frying
- Sweet and tangy flavor that everyone loves
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for parties, game nights, or family dinners
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Honey
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and BBQ sauce, stirring until warm and smooth.
- Toss the baked chicken pieces in the honey BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Extra Crispy: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for an extra crunchy texture.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked, uncoated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
FAQs
How do I make the breading stick better?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading and press the panko mixture firmly onto each piece.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the breaded chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
Make sure to bake on a wire rack for even air circulation and crispiness.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for convenience.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free egg substitute like almond milk mixed with cornstarch.
Can I bake instead of fry for a crispier texture?
Yes, baking at a high temperature with a light oil spray ensures crispiness without frying.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try serving with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the honey and BBQ sauce longer to reduce and thicken the consistency.
Conclusion
Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a delicious and healthier take on a classic favorite. With its crispy texture and sweet, smoky flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party, a weeknight dinner, or just a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
PrintBaked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This crispy, bite-sized baked honey BBQ popcorn chicken is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic favorite! Coated in a flavorful seasoning, baked until golden, and tossed in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, it’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).
-
Prepare the Breading:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess liquid.
- Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray (this helps with crispiness).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat until warm, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Toss & Serve:
- Transfer baked popcorn chicken to a large bowl and toss with the honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing, coleslaw, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can swap buttermilk for regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
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