Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the main protein for the dish.

Breadcrumbs: Used to coat the chicken, giving it a crispy texture.

BBQ sauce: Provides the tangy and smoky flavor base for the coating.

Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

For an extra crispy texture, try double-coating the chicken. After the first dip in the bbq sauce mixture and coating with breadcrumbs, let the pieces rest for a few minutes. Then, dip them again in the sauce and coat with another layer of breadcrumbs before baking. This will give your popcorn chicken an irresistible crunch.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for chicken breast in this recipe.

• chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be used as it absorbs flavors well and provides a similar bite-sized texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, which can give the popcorn chicken a crunchier texture.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a crunchy coating and can be a gluten-free alternative if needed.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the honey in the recipe.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with buffalo sauce: For a spicier version, buffalo sauce can be used to add a tangy heat to the dish.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can add a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is another sweetener that can be used as a vegan alternative to honey.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a more natural alternative to table salt, often providing a slightly different taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used to add heat to the recipe.

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chicken pieces into an airtight container. For added freshness, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken within 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
• For longer storage, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the chicken pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This ensures the chicken retains its delightful texture.
• For a quick snack, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, though this method may result in a less crispy texture.
• Pair with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The honey and bbq sauce flavors complement a variety of sides beautifully.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

• To retain the crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking for crispiness and warmth.

• For a steam method, place the chicken in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain moisture without drying out the chicken.

• If you prefer a broiler, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the chicken on a broiler-safe pan. Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the chicken is hot and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken pieces at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine the BBQ sauce and honey, ensuring an even coating for the chicken.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the coated chicken pieces for baking.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, and honey.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Tongs: Handy for dipping the chicken pieces into the sauce mixture and then into the breadcrumbs without making a mess.

• Knife: Necessary for cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for cutting the chicken breast.

• Parchment paper: Optional but useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and measure out the breadcrumbs, bbq sauce, and honey the night before.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Double the sauce: Make extra bbq sauce and honey mixture to use as a dipping sauce, saving you time from making a separate dip.

Batch process: Dip all the chicken pieces in the sauce first, then coat them all with breadcrumbs to streamline the process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.