Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

This hearty Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken has revolutionized our family game nights. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in bite-sized morsels has transformed ordinary gatherings into memorable feasts without the guilt of deep frying.

I first created this recipe when looking for crowd pleasers for my son's birthday party. The platter was emptied within minutes, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering we host.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and serves as the perfect canvas for our flavorful coating
• Panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crunch without deep frying and holds up better than regular breadcrumbs
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze that makes these bites addictive
• Barbecue sauce: Brings smoky depth and tanginess look for one with balanced sweetness and a bit of spice
• Olive oil: Helps the coating adhere and promotes even browning in the oven
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into consistent one inch bite sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil making sure each piece is lightly coated, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Create the Coating:

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. You can enhance them by adding a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. The breadcrumbs should be seasoned well as they form the outer flavor layer.

Bread the Chicken:

Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to all sides. Place the breaded pieces on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even browning.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. Look for a golden brown exterior and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Prepare the Glaze:

While the chicken bakes, combine the honey and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is warm and well blended. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Glaze the Chicken:

Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with the honey BBQ glaze. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sticky, sweet glaze.

The honey BBQ glaze is what truly elevates this dish from good to unforgettable. I discovered this particular combination when experimenting with different sauces for my picky nephew. He declared these chicken bites better than any restaurant version, and honestly, I have to agree with him.

Make Ahead Instructions

These popcorn chicken bites can be prepped in advance to save time on busy days. Cut and bread the chicken, then place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. You may need to add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The honey BBQ sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites shine when served with complementary sides. Arrange them on a platter with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch contrast. A side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce offers a cooling element that balances the sweet BBQ glaze perfectly. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispy texture when reheating, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as this will make the coating soggy. If you plan to freeze these delicious bites, do so before adding the glaze. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they will keep for up to 2 months.

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be easily modified to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a gluten free version, substitute the panko with gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. Those watching their sugar intake can use a sugar free BBQ sauce and replace the honey with a natural sweetener like monk fruit. For added nutrition, you can incorporate ground flaxseed or hemp hearts into the breadcrumb mixture, boosting the fiber and omega fatty acids.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make honey BBQ popcorn chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Air frying works wonderfully for this dish. Prepare the chicken as directed, then cook in an air fryer at 380°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result will be even crispier chicken pieces with less oil.

→ What sides pair well with honey BBQ popcorn chicken?

These tasty bites pair beautifully with fresh veggie sticks, coleslaw, potato wedges, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve with mac and cheese or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I prepare honey BBQ popcorn chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the breaded chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. For best results, bake just before serving and add the honey BBQ glaze while hot. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, mix cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into your panko breadcrumb mixture. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce or add hot sauce to your honey BBQ glaze just before drizzling over the chicken.

→ What's the best way to ensure crispy popcorn chicken?

For maximum crispiness, make sure your chicken pieces are completely dry before coating with oil. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—leave space between pieces for hot air circulation. Consider using a wire rack on your baking sheet to elevate the chicken pieces, allowing heat to circulate underneath.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work excellently and often result in juicier popcorn chicken. Just cut them into similarly sized pieces and follow the same instructions. You may need to adjust baking time slightly as thigh meat can be more forgiving with longer cooking times.