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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: 4-6 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.