Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Craving crispy, bite-sized chicken with a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze? This Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy coating and finger-licking honey BBQ sauce. It’s a healthier alternative to fried popcorn chicken, yet just as irresistible. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Crunchy: Baked to golden perfection, no frying needed.
• Sweet & Smoky Flavor: A delicious honey BBQ glaze that coats every bite.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup)
• Cornstarch (¼ cup, for extra crispiness)
• Eggs (2, beaten)
• Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup, for crunch)
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Olive Oil Spray (for baking)

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• BBQ Sauce (½ cup, your favorite brand)
• Honey (2 tbsp, for natural sweetness)
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp, for a tangy kick)
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
• Butter (1 tbsp, melted)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Small Saucepan

Let’s Make Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
2. Set up three separate bowls:

• Bowl 1: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
• Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
3. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
5. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 5: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
7. While the chicken bakes, heat BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and melted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until well combined and slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).

Step 6: Toss & Serve
8. Once the chicken is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl.
9. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken

• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy side.
• Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges: Classic pairings.
• Rice or Salad: For a balanced meal.

Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken

• Use Cornstarch: It helps create a crispier crust.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Turn the chicken halfway through baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Space out the chicken pieces so they crisp up properly.
• Want Spicy? Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or mix hot sauce into the BBQ glaze.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep them crispy.
• Freeze before adding sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, then toss in sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and just as delicious.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the crispiest texture.

Can I air-fry the popcorn chicken?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Conclusion

This Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With its golden crunch and sticky-sweet glaze, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a party, a snack, or dinner, these bite-sized delights will have everyone coming back for more!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 480mg

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your crispy creation!

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