This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a fun and tasty treat! Crispy chicken bites are coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, making each piece super delicious.
Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these little guys really hit the spot! I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—it’s just so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work too. Vegetarian? Try breaded tofu or cauliflower bites for a crispy texture!
Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Flour and Cornstarch: The flour gives structure, while cornstarch adds that amazing crunch. Use rice flour for a gluten-free option. You could also try breadcrumbs if you prefer a different texture!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade if you’re up for it! For a twist, try using a spicy BBQ sauce, or add hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick!
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Every Time?
Achieving that perfect crunch on your popcorn chicken is all about the frying technique! Here are some tips to make sure your chicken is crispy and delicious:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before adding chicken. A kitchen thermometer can help.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Double-dip for extra crunch! Dip your chicken in buttermilk and dredge in flour twice for a thicker coating.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the chicken crispy.
With these tips and tricks, your Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken will turn out perfectly crispy every time! Enjoy it with friends and family for a tasty snack or meal.
How to Make Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb 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
- 1/2 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)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Garnish (optional):
- Thinly sliced green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20-30 minutes for frying and sauce preparation. Overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Stir to coat all the pieces well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will make the chicken tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that crispy coating we love!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into it—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere well. For extra crunch, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture again.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare your Honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, butter, apple cider vinegar (if using), smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and everything is well mixed. Remove from heat.
7. Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked and drained, toss it in a large bowl with the warm Honey BBQ sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if you like. Grab some napkins—you’re going to want to dig in!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and tangy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken! Perfect for sharing with friends or as a fun family dinner treat!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to completely thaw it first. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, or you can place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the BBQ sauce you use is also gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it works perfectly as is!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 2 hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to coat and fry. This saves a bit of time on the day you plan to serve it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some crunch!
