These Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are crispy, saucy, and oh-so-delicious! Coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze, they’re perfect for game day, a family snack, or a fun twist on dinner. Plus, since they’re baked, they’re healthier than traditional fried popcorn chicken—making them a guilt-free treat everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
- Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, for a lighter take on this comfort food favorite.
- Sweet & Tangy Glaze: Honey BBQ sauce gives these bites an irresistible flavor.
- Easy & Fun to Make: Perfect for a snack or meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients for Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
To make this flavorful popcorn chicken, gather these ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or fork
How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge) to make the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, shake off any excess, and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help it brown and crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
- Once the chicken is done, let it cool for a minute, then toss it in the honey BBQ sauce until each piece is well coated.
- Return the sauced chicken to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce caramelize slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions on top for color and extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: The buttermilk marinate tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- Bake in a Single Layer: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply swap the flour and panko with gluten-free versions to make it gluten-free.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead?
A: Yes! You can bake the chicken and make the sauce separately, then toss them together and do the final bake right before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
These Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are tender, crispy, and full of flavor. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering!
