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 every bite a delightful surprise.
Perfect for dinner or as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show! I can’t help but munch on these until they’re all gone. Chicken lovers, you definitely have to try this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. If you want something different, try using shrimp or tofu as alternatives for a unique twist!
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps to achieve that crispy coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or even rice flour for a similar effect.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Barbecue Sauce: The flavor base for the honey BBQ sauce can be any store-bought brand. For a homemade option, mix tomato sauce with a dash of vinegar and spices. Sweet or smoky sauces are great choices!
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To make sure your chicken is crispy, following the right frying technique is key. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken. If it’s not hot, the batter will absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Fry in small batches. This helps to maintain the oil temperature and ensures that each piece cooks evenly.
- After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping that crispy texture intact.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have perfect Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken every time! Enjoy!
Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks (optional, for serving)
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to whip up something special for dinner or a late-night snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir gently and warm it for about 3-5 minutes to blend all the flavors. Once warmed, take it off the heat and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Coating Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is what will give your chicken that crispy outer coating!
3. Dip the Chicken:
Pour the buttermilk into another bowl. Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and then dredge it into your flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well. This helps the coating stick!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or a fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should bubble up immediately if it’s hot enough.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 4-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. Toss in Sauce:
Once all your chicken is cooked, place it in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
7. Serve:
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Consider serving alongside some crispy celery sticks for a crunchy companion.
Enjoy your sweet, sticky, and crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a great choice for this recipe. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and cut them into bite-sized pieces similarly to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best crispiness, rather than in the microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey BBQ sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it slightly before tossing with the chicken for the best flavor.
