This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a fun and tasty treat! It features crunchy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce that’s sure to please everyone.
Who can resist bite-sized chicken with that delicious sauce? I could munch on these all day—perfect for movie nights or a quick snack! 🍗💛
The best part is, it’s super easy to whip up in no time. Just bake or fry the chicken, toss it in the sauce, and enjoy! It’s finger-licking good every time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat or thighs for juiciness. If you need a healthier option, try air-frying instead of deep-frying.
Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you’re out, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
Flour and Cornstarch: The combo gives that perfect crispy texture. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend with cornstarch.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce for this dish. If you want to control the sweetness and ingredients, a homemade version works great! Use any of your favorite flavors, too.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, follow these tips: Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk; it adds moisture and flavor. When coating, ensure each piece is well dredged in the flour mixture. The extra cornstarch aids in crispiness.
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. If it’s too low, the chicken can turn soggy.
- Fry in small batches to maintain temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping it crispy.
Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
For garnish:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 30 minutes of prep time for marinating the chicken, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for cooking and saucing. Allow for a total of around 1 hour for everyone to enjoy this tasty popcorn chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and mix it well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a crunchy coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
When the chicken is ready, take it out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to make sure they are well-coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, making sure to drain off any excess oil.
5. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is warmed through. Remove from heat.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
In a large bowl, add the fried chicken pieces and pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Transfer the sauced popcorn chicken to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy every crumb of this yummy snack!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating. For quicker thawing, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will thicken up and become slightly sour, just like buttermilk!
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which will help restore some of the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with oil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through!