This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is the perfect treat for snack lovers! It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a sweet and tangy BBQ flavor that makes every bite delightful.
My family can’t get enough of it! I often make a big batch for movie nights. Just grab some dipping sauce, and you’re set for a fun evening! 🍿✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can choose either chicken breast or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs can be juicier, while breasts give a milder flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey pieces!
Buttermilk: This ingredient is key for marinating and keeping the chicken moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes as a substitute.
Cornmeal: This gives the popcorn chicken that great texture. If cornmeal is not available, you can use finely crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy feel.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe! If you’re looking for a healthier option, low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauces can work great. Adjust the sweetness with honey based on your taste.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken Properly?
Marinating your chicken well is crucial for tender, flavorful bites. Start by mixing your chicken pieces with buttermilk in a bowl, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and helps keep the chicken moist during frying.
What’s the Best Way to Fry the Chicken?
Frying chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C). Test with a small piece of chicken; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it lowers the oil temperature and makes the chicken soggy. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook until they are golden brown (about 3-5 minutes) and check with a thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Once fried, place your chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil before tossing them in the Honey BBQ sauce.
Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (for that popcorn-like texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (optional, for a slight kick)
To garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken, and about 15 minutes for frying and saucing. In total, set aside about 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy this scrumptious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures the coating will stick nicely.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful and crunchy coating for your chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Once marinated, remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well. Place the coated pieces on a plate to get ready for frying.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature using a kitchen thermometer or by dropping a small piece of bread in—the oil should sizzle when it’s ready!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can lower the temperature. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and completely cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove each batch and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar (if using), and chili flakes or hot sauce (if desired). Stir and heat until warmed through and well mixed.
7. Toss the Chicken:
Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the warm Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in that sweet and tangy goodness!
8. Serve:
Transfer your beautifully coated Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like, and serve with extra BBQ sauce or crunchy celery sticks on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken! Perfect for a snack or a main dish at a gathering. 🍗✨
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts and thighs are popular choices, you can also use chicken tenders or even wings. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger pieces, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes—this will mimic buttermilk’s acidity and thickness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or pop them in the microwave, but be aware they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Make a Larger Batch?
Definitely! Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly. If you are frying in batches, make sure to maintain the oil temperature to ensure each batch cooks evenly and remains crispy.