I remember the first time I made this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken. It was a total experiment gone right! My youngest, bless his heart, is the pickiest eater on the planet. Chicken nuggets were basically his main food group. I was determined to find a way to get him to eat something slightly healthier, but still with that kid-friendly appeal. So, I started playing around with different flavors and cooking methods. I wanted something simple, not fried (because, let’s be honest, who has time for all that oil?), and packed with flavor.

My first attempt was… well, let’s just say the chicken was a bit dry, and the sauce was way too sweet. The kids politely choked it down, but I knew I could do better. It was one of those “aha!” moments where I realized the key was baking it at the right temperature and finding the perfect balance between sweet honey and tangy BBQ. After a few more tries, I finally nailed it. Now, this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is a regular on our dinner rotation, and even my picky eater gobbles it up!

This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken dish fits perfectly into our chaotic family life because it’s relatively quick to prepare, and I can even prep parts of it ahead of time. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser – from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers, it’s always a hit. This recipe became a family favorite because it’s a healthy popcorn chicken bake that even the adults love.

Trust me, once you try this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and crispy, and it’s so much healthier than the fried stuff. Plus, it’s super easy to customize to your family’s preferences. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Best Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Raw ingredients for baked honey bbq popcorn chicken

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I always use panko breadcrumbs for my baked honey bbq popcorn chicken because they give it the best crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t quite cut it.

When making baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, you can often find smoked paprika in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will work in a pinch, but the smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor.

Here’s a baked honey bbq popcorn chicken trick I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!). It makes the chicken incredibly tender. I’ve tried it without the buttermilk before, and believe me, you can tell the difference! It also helps the breading stick better.

For a cost-saving tip for baked honey bbq popcorn chicken ingredients, consider buying chicken breasts in bulk when they’re on sale and freezing them. I do this all the time! Also, making your own BBQ sauce from scratch can be cheaper (and tastier!) than buying store-bought. You can also consider using honey bbq chicken bites since they’re easier to prepare.

For ingredient prep shortcuts for busy families making baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, pre-cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces the night before. This saves so much time, especially on a busy weeknight.

Leftover buttermilk can be stored in the fridge for a few days and used for pancakes or waffles. I hate wasting food, so I always try to find ways to use up any leftover ingredients. You can also freeze any leftover baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, but make sure to use an airtight container.

How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious, homemade baked honey bbq popcorn chicken in no time!

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time!). The longer the better!
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside. This is your homemade honey bbq sauce and it’s what will take this dish to the next level.
Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. I like to press the breadcrumbs on gently to ensure they stick. Don’t worry if your baked honey bbq popcorn chicken pieces aren’t perfectly coated; a little imperfection adds to the rustic charm.
Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching, or they’ll steam instead of bake.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. I learned the hard way with baked honey bbq popcorn chicken that it’s better to err on the side of caution and make sure the chicken is fully cooked. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). Here’s a helpful resource to help you with that USDA Safe Internal Temperatures Chart.
While the oven baked popcorn chicken recipe is baking, gently warm the honey BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to boil it.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush generously with the warmed honey BBQ sauce. You can even dip them in the sauce. At this stage, your baked honey bbq popcorn chicken should smell like a smoky, sweet dream!
Return the sauced chicken to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. This step really seals in the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful glaze.
Let the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken up a bit.

Preparing Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

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In my kitchen, baked honey bbq popcorn chicken usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.

While the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is cooking, I usually throw together a quick side dish, like a salad or some roasted vegetables. It’s all about multitasking, right?

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken tenders instead of cutting the chicken breasts yourself. This will save you a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving ideas to elevate your baked honey bbq popcorn chicken experience!

The kids love our baked honey bbq popcorn chicken when I serve it with sweet potato fries and a side of ranch dressing. It’s a complete meal that everyone enjoys. For my husband and me, I usually add a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken is perfect for game nights, birthday parties, or just a fun weeknight dinner. It’s also great for potlucks! Everyone always asks for the recipe.

For a fun presentation tip I’ve discovered, serve the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken in a paper cone, just like you’d get at a carnival. It makes it extra fun for the kids! I also like to garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.

If you have extra baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, it’s delicious cold the next day in a salad or wrapped in a tortilla with some lettuce and tomato. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave, but it won’t be quite as crispy.

For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the breadcrumb mixture in the fall. It gives the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken a cozy, autumnal flavor. Or, in the summer, try using a citrus-based BBQ sauce for a bright and tangy twist.

My friends always ask for this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken recipe, and they’re always amazed at how easy it is to make. They think I’m some kind of culinary genius, but really, it’s just a simple recipe that’s been perfected over time.

You can serve the baked honey bbq popcorn chicken with cornbread or a delicious rice dish like these Baked Chicken Legs and Rice .

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making baked honey bbq popcorn chicken.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?A: You can, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. I find that fresh chicken works best, as it tends to be more tender. You know what I do when my baked honey bbq popcorn chicken uses frozen chicken? I thaw it overnight in the fridge to make sure it is completely defrosted.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: You can prep the chicken and the breading ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re ready to eat. However, I wouldn’t recommend baking it too far in advance, as it will lose its crispness. My friends that make baked honey bbq popcorn chicken advise me to do this to save time.
Q: Can I use different types of BBQ sauce?A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors. A guide to different types of BBQ sauce is a great help. I’ve tried it with everything from smoky chipotle BBQ sauce to sweet and tangy Carolina BBQ sauce. Just make sure it complements the honey. You know what I do when my baked honey bbq popcorn chicken requires a new BBQ sauce? I consult the all-knowing internet.
Q: My breading isn’t sticking to the chicken. What am I doing wrong?A: Make sure you’re pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. Also, make sure the chicken is dry before dredging it in the breadcrumbs. The buttermilk marinade should help the breading adhere, but if it’s too wet, it won’t stick properly. I made this mistake with baked honey bbq popcorn chicken the first time.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?A: Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour. You can easily find both at most grocery stores. I have a friend who has celiac disease, so I often make this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken gluten-free for her.
Q: My chicken is dry. What can I do to prevent this?A: Make sure you’re not overbaking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to keep it moist. When I made my baked honey bbq popcorn chicken, I made sure the chicken was fully coated.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover honey bbq chicken bites?A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover baked honey bbq popcorn chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave until warm. The oven will help retain some of the crispness. I hate to waste food, so this is great.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Recipe

This baked honey bbq popcorn chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even the pickiest eaters can be won over with a little creativity and a lot of love. It’s also a recipe that brings our family together around the dinner table, and that’s something I truly cherish.

Here are my Pro Tips for the best baked honey bbq popcorn chicken:

Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It makes all the difference in the tenderness of the chicken.
Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t compare.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the chicken pieces enough space so they can bake evenly.

Here are some baked honey bbq popcorn chicken variations:

Spicy Honey BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a little extra kick.
Garlic Parmesan: Toss the baked chicken in melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
Honey Mustard: Substitute the BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a tangy and sweet flavor.

My son loves the Spicy Honey BBQ version, while my daughter prefers the Garlic Parmesan. My husband and I are partial to the classic baked honey bbq popcorn chicken. We also love Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs!

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I hope you’ll give this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect combination for your family. Cooking should be fun, not stressful!

So go ahead, grab your apron, and get cooking! I have a feeling this baked honey bbq popcorn chicken will become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

Easy Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken: A Weeknight Win

Print Recipe

This baked honey BBQ popcorn chicken recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a family favorite. Crispy, flavorful, and healthier than fried!

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Chicken
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken piece into the bread crumb mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
While the chicken is baking, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is done, brush with the honey BBQ sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.