Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is a delightful treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, it’s perfect for any gathering!
Who can resist those little poppable bites? They’re great for game day or a fun family movie night. I love to make a big batch and watch everyone go back for more—it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs work well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could consider using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sweet BBQ sauce for that perfect honey BBQ flavor. If you’re into heat, try adding a touch of hot sauce to your BBQ mix.
Cornstarch: This ingredient gives the chicken extra crispiness. If you’re out, you can use an equal amount of potato starch or more flour, though the texture may vary slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Fried Chicken?
To achieve that irresistibly crispy texture, marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential. This step tenderizes the meat while adding flavor. When you coat the chicken with the flour mix, don’t be shy! Make sure the pieces are fully covered to create that crispy shell.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature—350°F (175°C) is key. Too hot, and the outside burns; too cool, and the chicken soaks up too much oil.
- Fry in small batches to allow even cooking and to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before tossing in the sauce.
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 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- Oil, for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of sweet BBQ sauce)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this delicious Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken will take about 15 minutes of active prep time. After marinating, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes for cooking. Don’t forget to set aside time for it to rest before serving if you want those flavors to meld!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you can let it marinate for 1-2 hours, the flavors will be even better!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined and ready for the chicken.
3. Heat the Oil:
Now it’s time to heat the oil! Pour the oil into a deep fryer or a heavy pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the heat, as getting it just right is key for crispy chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let the excess buttermilk drip off before dredging each piece in the flour mixture. Press lightly so that the coating sticks well.
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil in small batches. You want them to fry evenly without overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, then place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the barbecue sauce and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring until combined and warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Toss in the Sauce:
Now, throw the fried chicken nuggets into the saucepan with the sauce and toss them until they are evenly coated.
8. Plate and Garnish:
Transfer the honey BBQ popcorn chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle on the sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and any fresh herbs you’d like.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your sticky, crispy, sweet-and-savory popcorn chicken is ready! Serve it hot as an appetizer or a fun snack with some celery sticks or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to completely thaw it first. The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or for a quicker method, submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag until thawed.
How to Make the Chicken Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. This will infuse the chicken with some extra spice while still keeping the delicious honey BBQ flavor!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Simply store the marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours and the sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the frying steps as usual!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help retain its crispiness.