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

  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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Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are crispy, juicy, and smothered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. They’re perfect as a fun appetizer, a kid-friendly meal, or a game day snack. Baking keeps them lighter, but they still deliver that irresistible crunch!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, mixed)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk.
    • Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge) to tenderize.
  • Prepare the Breading:

    • In a separate bowl, combine panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Bread the Chicken:

    • Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
    • Toss chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
    • Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the Chicken:

    • Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a crispy finish.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and garlic powder.
    • Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
  • Coat the Chicken:

    • Transfer the baked chicken into a large bowl.
    • Pour the honey BBQ sauce over and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

 

  • Serve:

    • Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Add a Kick: Mix a bit of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.

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