Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Perfect for an epic snack or a unique dinner option! Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Popcorn is a crispy, sticky treat smothered in a delectable honey BBQ sauce.

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Baked Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken, Coated with a special blend of seasonings and crushed cornflakes for extra crunch, these chicken pieces are drenched in a savoury, sticky honey BBQ sauce. Oven-baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful crunch with a juicy centre, eliminating the need for dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 5 cups (140g) corn flakes cereal, crushed lightly
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

Easy Honey BBQ Sauce

• 3/4 cup (222g) of your favorite BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays Original)
• 1/4 cup (85g) honey
• 1/4 cup (68g) ketchup

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
• Place the bite-sized pieces of chicken in a large bowl. Add flour and stir to coat each piece. Set aside.
• Place the cornflakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika into a large bowl. Set aside. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl.
• This next step gets your hands a little messy so have paper towels nearby. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
• Then generously roll in the cornflake mixture, shaking off any excess. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken bites.
• Bake for 18 minutes, flipping once at the 9-10 minute mark. (During this time, I make the sauce in step 6.) Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Heat the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, whisking occasionally.
• Carefully place the chicken bites into a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce on top and gently stir to coat. Serve warm. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

• Sweet Potato Fries
• Coleslaw
• Corn on the Cob
• Garden Salad
• Celery and Carrot Sticks

Tips and Tricks

• Crush the cornflakes thoroughly for an even coating; a rolling pin or food processor works well.
• If necessary, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure each piece is evenly crisped.
  Gently toss the chicken in the sauce to coat each piece while retaining the crispness.