Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

If you crave the irresistible crunch of popcorn chicken but want something just a little more special, this Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is everything you need. It’s a crave-worthy bite-sized treat—tender, juicy chicken, coated in a crispy layer and tossed in the stickiest, glossiest honey BBQ sauce imaginable. Best part? Everything emerges golden and oven-baked, so you get maximum crunch and flavor without a deep fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning an easy family dinner, or just wanting something fun to nibble, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a recipe where simple ingredients come together to create some true kitchen magic. Every component of Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken brings something special to the table—whether it’s juicy tenderness, crave-worthy crunch, or that sweet-smoky sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips and tricks to make sure each one shines.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are perfect for tender, juicy bites that roast up evenly in the oven.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and cornflake coating stick, ensuring every bite gets a crispy jacket.
• Corn flakes cereal: Lightly crushed corn flakes are the real secret to that signature crunch—way crunchier than breadcrumbs!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Just a half teaspoon each, but make all the other flavors pop.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note to the coating—don’t skip it!
• Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness that plays up the BBQ flavors in a big way.
• Large eggs: These bind everything together and help the coating cling.
• Milk: A splash of milk makes the egg wash silky and perfect for dipping.
• BBQ sauce (your favorite!): Pick a smooth, classic sauce—Sweet Baby Rays Original is a crowd favorite here.
• Honey: Just a drizzle transforms the BBQ sauce into pure sticky, glossy bliss.

How to Make Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crunch

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C), then lining a large sheet pan with parchment or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken pops right off the tray with no sticking worries and cleans up like a dream. Crush your corn flakes in a big bowl—just use your hands or the bottom of a mug to break them up until they’re somewhere between breadcrumbs and chunky cereal, which gives the coating loads of texture.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Bites

Cube your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with the flour to give them a light dusting all over. This little step might not look like much, but it helps the egg and crunchy coating stick so much better, so every piece ends up perfectly crispy.

Step 3: Season Your Crunch

Mix your crushed corn flakes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Each flavor has a distinct role: salt sharpens, pepper perks things up, garlic adds savory warmth, and smoked paprika brings just enough of that barbecue-y edge to the party.

Step 4: Dip and Dredge

Whisk together your eggs and milk in a small bowl. Now grab your little assembly line: dip each flour-coated chicken piece in the egg mixture (letting the excess drip off is key here), then roll it generously in your seasoned cornflake mixture. Shake off any extras and set them on your prepared baking sheet—it’s messy, but totally worth it!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your chicken bites for about 18 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. You’re looking for pieces that are crispy and beautifully golden on both sides. While they bake, your kitchen will start to smell like absolute heaven—trust me.

Step 6: Whip Up the Honey BBQ Sauce

While your chicken finishes up, combine your favorite BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer and thicken, whisking occasionally, for about 6 to 7 minutes. It’ll become glossy, sticky, and totally irresistible.

Step 7: Sauce and Serve

Once your chicken is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes—this helps the coating stay crisp when you toss. Pop all the chicken pieces into a big bowl, pour over the warm honey BBQ sauce, and gently stir until everything is glistening. Serve your Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken warm, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Garnishes

Give your platter the finishing touch with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. Not only do they add a burst of color, but their vibrant flavors really wake up the saucy chicken. For an extra treat, try a dusting of sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime—truly takes it to the next level!

Side Dishes

This Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken loves to be the star, but it plays nicely with a variety of sides. For a real crowd-pleaser, serve with classic coleslaw, roasted potato wedges, or a fresh corn salad. If you’re feeling bold, a tangy macaroni salad or buttery grilled cornbread makes it a Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your popcorn chicken into a giant bowl for sharing, or skewer pieces onto toothpicks for a party platter. For fun game-day bites, serve in parchment-lined baskets with extra honey BBQ on the side. Leftovers are fabulous tucked into wraps, on top of salads, or stuffed in slider buns for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you’ve resisted eating the whole batch, store any leftover Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The coating stays surprisingly crunchy with this recipe, especially if you let everything cool before storing, and it’s just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you’re thinking way ahead, you can absolutely freeze the chicken (before saucing works best). Spread the baked, unsauced bites on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply reheat straight from frozen and toss in fresh honey BBQ sauce for a just-made feel.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken in the oven at 350°F until sizzling, which keeps the exterior crisp. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes. If you’re short on time, microwaving works, though the coating may soften a bit. Either way, that sweet, sticky sauce brings everything right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great swap and add even more juiciness to your Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken. Just trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces like the recipe calls for, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to crush corn flakes?

Place the cereal in a zip-top bag and press down with your hands or use a rolling pin. You want coarse crumbs—somewhere between panko and cracker crumbs—for maximum crunch.

Can I make Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose, and double check that your corn flakes and BBQ sauce are certified gluten-free. The results are every bit as crispy and delicious.

Is there a way to make the chicken spicier?

If you like heat, toss a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder into the corn flake mix. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ glaze for some extra kick.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can. Prep the chicken up to the coating step and refrigerate for several hours or even overnight; bake just before serving and finish with the sauce for a stress-free party or dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a surefire crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken. It’s an easy, flavor-packed recipe that’s practically guaranteed to win fans at the dinner table, game night, or any party. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how quickly your batch disappears!

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