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
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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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.
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Prepare the Breading:
- In a separate bowl, combine panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.