Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a fun and tasty treat! Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and sticky honey BBQ sauce, making them super flavorful and irresistible.
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping—perfect for movie nights or game days. Who can say no to that? 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps it lean and juicy. You could use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even some plant-based nuggets for a vegetarian twist!
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and tenderness. 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—easy peasy!
Flour & Cornstarch: A mix helps create that crispy coating. If you want a gluten-free option, replace these with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. They work surprisingly well!
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you love. For a spicier version, try a chipotle BBQ. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own using tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key! Start by marinating the chicken well to infuse flavor and moisture. The process of coating each piece with flour and cornstarch is crucial, so be sure to press that coating on firmly.
- Heat oil until it’s hot enough (around 350°F). This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up nicely.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make your chicken soggy.
- Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
With these tips, your Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken will be a delicious hit! Enjoy!
Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized popcorn pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time marinating the chicken, but don’t worry! A little patience makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them all. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds yummy flavor!
2. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, in another bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch. This combination will give you a fantastic crispy coating.
3. Heat the Oil:
Next, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). You want the oil hot enough so the chicken can fry beautifully.
4. Coat the Chicken:
After the marinating time is up, take the chicken pieces out of the refrigerator. Let any excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Make sure it’s well-covered for the best crunch!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
6. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, you can make the sauce! In a small saucepan, gently warm the BBQ sauce and honey together over low heat until they combine and become smooth. This sweet and tangy glaze will coat your chicken perfectly.
7. Toss in Sauce:
Once your fried chicken is ready, toss the hot pieces in the warmed honey BBQ sauce until they are well-coated. You want every piece to be covered in that delicious sauce!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for a fresh bite. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy.
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken! Perfect for sharing (or not)! 🍗🎉
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier and more flavorful result. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces similar to the breasts for even cooking.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a great buttermilk alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour?
Yes, you can! A gluten-free flour blend or almond flour will work well as a substitute for the all-purpose flour, allowing you to enjoy this dish gluten-free.