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Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

Find it online: https://quickbiteskitchen.com/baked-honey-bbq-popcorn-chicken/