Last Sunday, my family was craving something crispy and flavorful, but I didn’t want the usual fried fare. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge, a nearly empty bottle of honey barbecue sauce, and a lightbulb moment. Why not try making baked honey bbq popcorn chicken? I remember thinking, “Could I actually pull this off?” My kids are brutally honest critics, and my husband is a sucker for anything barbecue. The stakes were high!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Even on a busy weeknight, I can whip up a batch of baked honey bbq popcorn chicken in under an hour. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken.

This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you. We often make this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken on game nights. And if there is any baked honey bbq popcorn chicken leftover, which is rare, it makes a great addition to a salad the next day. The beauty of this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is in its simplicity. It is so simple to make, yet so delicious!

Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this; it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch piecesI like to get the organic chicken breasts from Trader Joe’s; they always seem so fresh. The quality of the chicken really impacts the end flavor.
1 cup buttermilkIf you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voila! This simple hack works wonders!

1 cup panko breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs are key for getting that extra crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t give the same satisfying crunch. The airy texture of panko is what sets it apart.
1/2 cup all-purpose flourYou can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you have dietary restrictions. It works just as well! A simple swap for a dietary need.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseMy kids love the extra cheesy flavor this adds. You can also use Romano cheese or Asiago cheese if you prefer. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite!

2 tablespoons honeyI use local honey whenever possible. It has such a richer flavor than the store-bought stuff. Plus, it’s great for supporting local beekeepers! Support your local community and enjoy better flavor!
1/2 cup barbecue sauceWe’re partial to Sweet Baby Ray’s, but feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce. For those who like a kick, using a spicy BBQ sauce makes this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken extra delicious. Here is some additional information on Barbecue Sauce: What It Is, and the Different Types
1 teaspoon paprikaAdds a touch of smokiness and color. This spice is essential for that classic BBQ flavor.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powderBecause everything tastes better with garlic! Garlic powder is a convenient way to add that savory note.
1/4 teaspoon saltTo bring out all the flavors. Salt is crucial for enhancing the other ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperA little bit of spice to balance the sweetness. Black pepper adds a subtle warmth.

Cooking sprayTo prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet. A little cooking spray goes a long way.

Here’s something my mom taught me that changed everything: marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to make it extra tender. It makes a huge difference! Plus, the taste of this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is elevated by the buttermilk marinade.

This recipe for baked honey bbq popcorn chicken can be modified with any type of BBQ sauce you like. If you are looking to be a bit healthier you can make a batch of baked honey bbq popcorn chicken using a sugar free BBQ sauce. If you plan to make this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken often, buy the panko breadcrumbs in bulk at Costco and freeze portions. I love making this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken because most of the ingredients are already in my pantry.

Here is a great recipe for Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Don’t skip the parchment paper; it’s a game-changer for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Make sure all the chicken is coated in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This is the secret to super tender chicken. The longer the marinade, the more tender the chicken.

In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution.
In another small bowl, whisk together the honey and barbecue sauce. This is your delicious honey barbecue glaze. Make sure it’s well combined. A well-mixed glaze ensures even coating and flavor.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! Removing excess buttermilk helps the breadcrumbs adhere better.

Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to help them adhere. Pressing gently ensures a good coating of breadcrumbs.
Place the breaded chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other, so they can crisp up properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan for optimal crispiness.
Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush each piece of chicken with the honey barbecue glaze. Be generous with the glaze – it’s what makes this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken so irresistible! Don’t be shy with the glaze; it’s what makes it so delicious.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing! For perfect chicken you want to be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can find more information at the Chicken, broiler, meat and skin, cooked, baked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Resting the chicken is key for maximum juiciness.

I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes – trust me on this one! My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch. It is important that when you bake this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken that the chicken is cut into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly. If you are making this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken for a crowd you can easily double the recipe.

This recipe for baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is very similar to baked ranch chicken: baked ranch chicken If you like spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick. This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is best served warm, straight from the oven.

Serving Ideas

We love this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken with a simple side of mac and cheese and some steamed broccoli. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces! I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top – it makes it look so much fancier! This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion. This recipe for baked honey bbq popcorn chicken pairs well with many different dipping sauces; ranch, blue cheese, BBQ, or honey mustard. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides and dipping sauces!

If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. I often serve this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken with some carrot sticks and celery sticks. This makes it a balanced and delicious meal. It’s also great for potlucks and parties. Everyone always raves about how crispy and flavorful it is. When serving this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, I like to put out a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can customize their bites. If you want to make the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken into a larger meal you can serve it over rice. For my family serving this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken with potato salad is always a hit.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating it. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?A: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal crispiness.

Q: Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?A: Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their superior crispiness. However, you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Q: Can I make this spicier?A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy barbecue sauce.

Q: My chicken is dry. What did I do wrong?A: Overcooking is the most common cause of dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) and not any higher. You also need to be sure that the chicken is submerged in the buttermilk marinade. This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is best when the chicken is juicy and tender.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. The flavor of this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is amazing with chicken thighs.

Q: What can I serve with this?A: This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is great served with mac and cheese, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. It’s also a fun appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Conclusion

This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is more than just a recipe for me; it’s a symbol of family dinners, happy kids, and the joy of creating something delicious with simple ingredients. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest weeknights, I can put a smile on my family’s faces with a home-cooked meal. The joy of cooking for loved ones is truly special.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

Always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes – it makes a world of difference in the tenderness.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – give the chicken pieces room to breathe so they can crisp up properly.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving – this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful chicken.

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. It’s so easy to customize this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken to suit everyone’s tastes. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! I hope you like this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken recipe.This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. If you are looking for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken.

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken: A Family Favorite

Print Recipe

Crispy, juicy popcorn chicken baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 1x

Category: Chicken
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika

2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

While the chicken is baking, warm the honey BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Once the chicken is cooked, toss it with the warm honey BBQ sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking. You can also use other BBQ sauce variations to customize the flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20

Sodium: 400
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3

Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 30

Fiber: 2
Protein: 25
Cholesterol: 100

Keywords: popcorn chicken, baked chicken, honey bbq, chicken recipe