Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. This baked version offers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried chicken without the extra oil. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these little chicken bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than traditional fried popcorn chicken
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Deliciously sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor
• Great for game day, parties, or family dinners
• Kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
3. In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
8. Toss the baked chicken in the warm honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of fries!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce or mix in red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
• Different coating: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or pretzels for extra crunch.
• Swap the sauce: Try buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or sweet chili sauce instead.
• Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Lay chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook the breaded chicken in a preheated air fryer at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

2. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite brand or flavor, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, bake the chicken ahead and reheat before serving. Toss with fresh honey BBQ sauce for the best flavor.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw the chicken completely before marinating and baking.

5. What dipping sauces go well with Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken?

Try ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

6. How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation around the chicken.

7. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, try this recipe with bite-sized pieces of turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy sauce and bite-sized pieces make it perfect for kids.

9. Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor, but you can skip it if needed.

10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Sure! Serve with a side of veggies or toss in cooked vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

Conclusion

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With its crispy coating and flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish, everyone will love these irresistible chicken bites. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear!

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