This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a fun twist on a classic! Crispy chicken bites are coated in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce that makes every piece a treat.
I love how easy it is to whip this up for a snack or casual dinner. Just imagine biting into that crispy goodness while watching your favorite show—pure joy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken breast works too. For a vegetarian twist, consider using cooked cauliflower florets or paneer cubes instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for coating, but if you’re gluten-free, try using rice flour or a gluten-free blend to achieve a similar crunch.
Buttermilk: This gives the chicken a tender texture. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes—voila! Buttermilk substitute.
Honey: If you want a lower-calorie option, agave syrup works well in place of honey, or try maple syrup for a different flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite sauce here! For a spicier kick, opt for a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce, or for a tangy note, go for a vinegar-based sauce.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that desired crunch is all about the fry technique and coating. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F is ideal)—you can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready!
- Dip the chicken in buttermilk, then coat twice with the flour mixture. Double-dipping adds extra crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step helps keep them crispy!
How to Make Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Wet Dip:
- 1 cup buttermilk
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (choose your preferred style)
For the Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
What’s the Time Needed?
This delicious Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, making a total of 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or fun snack idea!
Let’s Cook!
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating for the chicken!
2. Set Up the Wet Dip:
In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk. This will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken and add moisture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and dip them into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture. For an extra crunch, feel free to repeat this dipping process!
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, use a slotted spoon to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, combine the honey and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well blended and warmed through.
6. Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
Once the chicken is all fried, transfer the pieces to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your honey BBQ popcorn chicken to a serving plate. To make it extra special, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a nice touch.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in immediately! This popcorn chicken is best enjoyed hot and crispy. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of crunchy celery sticks for a delightful treat!
Can I Use Chicken with Skin or Bones?
It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. However, if you prefer bone-in chicken, be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add a spicy kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the honey and barbecue sauce. You can also use hot barbecue sauce for a fiery version!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
How to Store Leftovers?
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 or until heated through, to maintain their crispiness!
