Description
Enjoy crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken made with tender marinated chicken pieces, seasoned flour, and a delicious sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for the sauce)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Ensure all the chicken is well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Let excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Place them on a wire rack or plate.
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss gently until well-coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken!
Notes
- Double Dredging: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the right oil temperature for crispy chicken. Too hot will burn the outside; too cool will make it greasy.
- Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes