This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a crunchy and sweet treat! Bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated in a tasty honey BBQ sauce, making them super yummy for any occasion.
You’ll love how easy these are to make! They are perfect for game nights or casual dinners. Just pop them in the oven, and you’ll have everyone asking for more! 🍗💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts are great too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using lean chicken tenders or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Buttermilk: This ingredient helps keep the chicken tender. If you’re out of buttermilk, just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’ll work just fine!
Crushed Cornflakes or Panko: Cornflakes give a unique crunch, but panko is light and airy. You could also use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs if needed. If gluten-free, try gluten-free panko or cornflakes!
BBQ Sauce: Use any BBQ sauce you love! A smoky one adds a nice depth, while a sweeter sauce pairs nicely with honey. You can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy chicken lies in the frying technique! Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F). If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and be soggy. Here’s how to fry it perfectly:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Once done, be sure to drain excess oil on paper towels! This will keep your chicken crispy and delicious.
How to Make Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep and marinating. Plus, you should allow around 15-20 minutes for frying and saucing, making it about 50 minutes total. A quick and fun dish to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, place your chicken pieces and pour in the buttermilk, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours in the fridge. This step is important for keeping your chicken tender and juicy!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, crushed cornflakes or panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, so each bite is flavorful!
3. Dredge the Chicken:
Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Set the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying them in batches to not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.
6. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Heat over low, stirring until the butter has melted and the sauce is nice and smooth.
7. Toss with Sauce:
Once all the chicken is cooked, place it in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the crispy chicken and gently toss it all together, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the delicious honey BBQ popcorn chicken to a serving plate. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or green onions on top for a nice touch. Serve hot with extra honey BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and tangy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken! It’s a tasty treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more flavor to your dish. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and cut into the same bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and regain some of their crunch!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can! For a healthier option, arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
