Sizzling Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe: A Fun Family Favorite

Crunch meets sweet and savory in this irresistible honey BBQ popcorn chicken that’ll steal the show at any gathering.

Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a crispy, golden breading bring explosive flavor to your plate.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of honey BBQ seasoning that makes each morsel pop with deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners or game day snacks never looked this good with such an easy-to-make recipe.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Grab your apron and let the culinary magic begin – your taste buds are in for an incredible treat that combines comfort food with gourmet flair.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Select tender, fresh chicken for succulent texture and even cooking. Boneless, skinless cuts work best for quick, uniform baking.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize chicken and adds tangy flavor. Choose full-fat buttermilk for richer marination.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Regular Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden exterior with light, airy texture. Look for fresh, crunchy breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps breading stick to chicken. Opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuse aromatic seasoning throughout breading. Select high-quality, freshly ground spices.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertone and warm color. Choose authentic Spanish or Hungarian varieties.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for intensity.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides classic tangy base for coating. Select your favorite brand or homemade version.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create glossy finish. Use raw, local honey for best flavor.
• Butter: Creates smooth, rich sauce texture. Select unsalted butter for better sauce control.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures crispy exterior and prevents sticking during baking.

Kitchen Tools for Baked Popcorn Chicken

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and crispy chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent chicken from sticking and easy cleanup.
• Mixing Bowls: One for buttermilk marinade, another for breading mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements for perfect seasoning.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing smooth honey BBQ sauce.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy chicken exterior.
• Tongs or Spatula: For turning chicken and tossing in sauce.

How to Make BBQ Popcorn Chicken in the Oven

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Get Saucy with Chicken

Splash buttermilk over chicken pieces and let them hang out for 15 minutes to get super tender and juicy.

• Create the Crunch Coating

Mix together panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a party of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for maximum flavor.

• Dress the Chicken

Shake off the buttermilk and roll each chicken piece in the seasoned crumb mixture. Make sure every inch gets a crispy jacket.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Spritz the chicken with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Pop into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Look for a gorgeous golden color and ensure chicken hits 165F inside.

• Whip Up Honey BBQ Magic

In a small pan, blend BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and a dash of garlic powder. Stir until it becomes a glossy, mouth-watering sauce.

• Coat and Celebrate

Tumble the baked chicken into a bowl and drench with the sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce. Toss until every piece is gloriously coated.

Flavor Ideas to Change Up the Sauce

• Crush panko breadcrumbs extra fine for an ultra-crispy exterior that locks in juicy chicken moisture without falling apart.
• Let chicken soak in buttermilk longer (up to 4 hours) for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor penetration that guarantees succulent bites.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for a spicy kick, or keep it mild for kids by reducing or eliminating hot spices.
• Prepare breaded chicken pieces up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a quick weeknight meal solution.

Serve BBQ Chicken for Game Day or Dinner

• Dipping Delights: Serve with a variety of cool, creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese, or tangy honey mustard for extra flavor explosions.
• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange chicken pieces on a large wooden board with colorful veggie sticks, pickle spears, and small dipping bowls for a festive game day or movie night spread.
• Sandwich Sensation: Stuff the honey BBQ chicken into soft slider buns or brioche rolls with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick and delicious meal transformation.
• Salad Topper Twist: Slice the chicken and scatter over a fresh green salad with crunchy corn, cherry tomatoes, and a light ranch or honey mustard dressing for a protein-packed lunch option.

Storing Popcorn Chicken So It Stays Crispy

• Chill freshly baked chicken in airtight containers, keeping them sealed tightly to maintain crispiness and flavor for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Separate cooled chicken pieces into single-layer freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These tasty morsels will stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly stored.
• Restore crispy texture by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and maintain that delightful crunch.
• Store honey BBQ sauce separately from chicken to keep breading crisp. Keep sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flexible meal prep and quick flavor additions.

Crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy baked honey bbq popcorn chicken brings southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Golden-brown breaded chicken bites glazed in sweet and tangy sauce promise a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cooking spray
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
2. Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15-60 minutes to enhance tenderness, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Breading Mixture: Combine panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a comprehensive coating mixture.
4. Chicken Coating: Drain excess buttermilk from chicken pieces and thoroughly dredge in the seasoned breading, ensuring complete and even coverage. Arrange coated pieces strategically on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Baking Process: Lightly mist chicken with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Roast for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway, until achieving a golden exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
6. Sauce Creation: Merge BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Gently heat and stir until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform glaze.
7. Final Glazing: Transfer crisp chicken to a spacious bowl and generously drench with the honey BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly and uniformly coated.

Notes

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption. Longer marination (up to 1 hour) enhances moisture and helps break down proteins, creating exceptionally juicy chicken pieces.
• Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Pat chicken pieces dry before breading to help breading adhere perfectly and achieve a golden, crispy exterior without becoming soggy.
• Simmer honey BBQ sauce carefully to prevent burning. Adjust thickness by cooking longer for a more concentrated glaze or adding a splash of water for a lighter coating. Taste and balance sweet and tangy flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature. Remove from oven exactly at 165F to guarantee food safety without overcooking, maintaining tender and juicy meat throughout the chicken pieces.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg