Crispy Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe for Game Day

Crispy baked honey bbq popcorn chicken brings a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy glaze promise pure satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and flavor that makes taste buds dance.

No deep fryer needed for this healthier version of a classic comfort food.

Marinades infuse incredible depth, ensuring every morsel bursts with mouthwatering goodness.

Let’s turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Is Great for Snacking

• Crispy baked chicken pieces smothered in sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce create an irresistible crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour with enthusiasm.
• Skip the deep-frying and opt for this oven-baked version that delivers maximum crunch and flavor while cutting down on unnecessary oil and calories.
• Using pantry staples like panko, buttermilk, and BBQ sauce, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Everything You’ll Need for Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat base of the dish, preferably boneless and skinless chicken pieces or tenders.

• Buttermilk, Butter: Helps tenderize meat and adds rich flavor, choose full-fat versions for best results.

• Panko, Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates crispy exterior with extra texture and savory notes, look for fresh breadcrumbs.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic complexity, use fresh ground spices for best taste.

• BBQ Sauce, Honey: Creates sweet and tangy coating, select thick, high-quality BBQ sauce for more robust flavor.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior, choose neutral oil-based spray.

• Fresh Herbs: Optional for additional color and fresh flavor accent.

How to Bake BBQ Popcorn Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken Pieces

• Chicken pieces
• Buttermilk

Soak the chicken for 15-60 minutes to make it super juicy and tender.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Regular breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients in a wide bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Dress The Chicken

Pull chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each piece in the breading mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Crisp Up In The Oven

Lightly spritz chicken with cooking spray. Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Look for golden color and ensure internal temperature hits 165F (74C).

Step 6: Craft Honey BBQ Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Butter
• Garlic powder

Stir over medium heat until butter melts and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Coat With Sticky Goodness

Transfer crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour warm honey BBQ sauce over chicken. Toss gently until every piece is glossy and completely coated.

Tricks for Sticky, Crispy Popcorn Chicken

• Boost Buttermilk Magic: Marinate chicken longer than 15 minutes for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, allowing the buttermilk to break down proteins and create incredibly juicy meat.
• Maximize Crispiness Hack: Spray breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior that mimics deep-fried texture without extra oil.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Shake off excess buttermilk thoroughly before breading to ensure the coating sticks evenly and creates a crisp, uniform layer on each chicken piece.
• Temperature Check Pro: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing dry meat and ensuring safe, perfectly cooked popcorn chicken.
• Sauce Tossing Trick: Gently fold chicken in sauce to prevent breading from becoming soggy, maintaining that desirable crispy texture while evenly distributing the sweet and tangy honey BBQ flavor.

How to Store and Reheat BBQ Popcorn Chicken the Right Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

What Goes Great with Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

• Prepare a tangy, cool coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing to balance the chicken's sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Whip up creamy mac and cheese or buttery corn on the cob for a classic combo that complements the honey BBQ chicken's richness.
• Select a light, crisp craft lager or wheat beer that cuts through the sauce's sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• Create quick ranch or spicy aioli dips that enhance the chicken's flavor and offer additional taste dimensions for guests to enjoy.

New Flavor Twists for BBQ Popcorn Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko and breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free corn flakes or almond flour for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick Variant: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for those who love extra heat.
• Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangier marinade and added protein boost.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook chicken in an air fryer at 375F for 10-12 minutes instead of baking, achieving similar crispy results with less oil.

Questions About BBQ Popcorn Chicken? Find Answers

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and soft by breaking down proteins. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs. However, panko creates a crispier, lighter coating that gives the chicken a more delicate crunch and better texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165F (74C). The meat should look white throughout with no pink areas.

• What makes the honey BBQ sauce special?

The combination of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors. Adding butter and garlic powder enhances the sauce’s richness and depth, coating the crispy chicken with a delicious glaze.

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort fare. Southern-style breaded chicken bites drizzled with sweet and tangy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, mixed)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Initiate oven preparation by heating to 400F (200C) and positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal chicken roasting.
2. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate and tenderize for a minimum of 15 minutes, which enhances meat texture and flavor absorption.
3. Craft a robust breading mixture by blending panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a comprehensive coating blend.
4. Extract chicken from buttermilk, permitting excess liquid to drain, then meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned breading mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage and even distribution.
5. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, then lightly mist with cooking spray to promote a golden, crisp exterior during baking.
6. Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform cooking and achieving an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
7. Simultaneously prepare honey BBQ sauce by gently melting butter with BBQ sauce, honey, and garlic powder in a saucepan, creating a glossy, harmonious glaze.
8. Transfer freshly baked chicken to a spacious mixing bowl and generously drench with the warm honey BBQ sauce, thoroughly coating each morsel for maximum flavor infusion.

Notes

• Choose chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts for consistent size and easier cooking, ensuring even breading and faster preparation.
• Let buttermilk-marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before breading to help coating adhere better and promote crispier texture.
• Use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, which creates a lighter and more delicate coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg