Crispy, juicy popcorn chicken bites baked and tossed in a sweet, tangy honey BBQ sauce. A healthier, kid-friendly snack or main dish perfect for family dinners and parties.
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1cupbuttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar mixed)
1cuppanko breadcrumbs
1cupplain breadcrumbs
0.5cupgrated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1tspgarlic powder
1tsponion powder
1tspsmoked paprika
0.5tspsalt
0.5tspblack pepper
cooking sprayfor spraying the chicken
1cupBBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
0.25cuphoney
1tbspbutter
1tspgarlic powder (for sauce)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
In a separate bowl, mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Toss chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Place breaded chicken on prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While chicken bakes, prepare the honey BBQ sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and garlic powder. Stir until butter melts and sauce is smooth and heated through.
Transfer baked chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping, garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.