There’s nothing quite like a plate of crispy, golden chicken bites smothered in sticky, sweet, and tangy honey BBQ sauce. These Crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are pure magic—perfect for game days, parties, or even a casual family dinner. Every time I make these, they vanish before I even get a chance to sit down! Trust me, you’ll want to double the recipe because these bites are that addictive.

What makes them so special? It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. You’ve got tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, baked to crispy perfection (yes, baked—not fried!). Then comes the sauce—an irresistible combination of BBQ, honey, and ketchup that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for more, plate after plate.

Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

These crispy chicken bites check all the boxes for a perfect appetizer or meal.

Easy to Make: No deep frying or complicated techniques—just simple steps anyone can follow.
Family-Friendly: Kids adore these bite-sized pieces, and adults can’t resist them either.
Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying makes these a guilt-free indulgence.
Customizable: You can tweak the sauce to your liking—make it spicier, sweeter, or tangier.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a big party or a cozy movie night, these chicken bites always steal the show.

The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken inside. And that sauce? It’s sticky, sweet, smoky, and tangy, perfectly complementing the savory crunch of the chicken. Serve these bites as is, or pair them with your favorite sides for a more filling meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binder for the cornflake coating.
1/4 cup (60ml) milk: Adds moisture to the egg mixture for better adhesion.
5 cups (140g) corn flakes cereal, crushed lightly: The secret to that crunchy, golden crust.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a touch of savory depth.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a hint of smoky warmth.

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

3/4 cup (222g) BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand for the base of the sauce.
1/4 cup (85g) honey: Balances the smoky BBQ sauce with sweetness.
1/4 cup (68g) ketchup: Adds tanginess and a touch of extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and add the flour. Toss the chicken until each piece is coated evenly. This step helps the egg mixture and the cornflake coating stick better.

Set Up Your Breading Stations

In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In another bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Bread the Chicken

Take each piece of floured chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they don’t touch.

Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through at the 9-minute mark. This ensures even cooking and a crispy coating all around. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.

Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened (about 6-7 minutes).

Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken pieces to a large bowl, pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them, and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.

How to Serve

These Crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are versatile and can be served in many ways:

As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
With Sides: Pair with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Over Rice: Turn it into a meal by serving the chicken over steamed rice with a drizzle of extra sauce.
In a Wrap: Stuff them into a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing for a quick wrap.

Tips for Success

Crush the Corn Flakes Finely: The finer the crumbs, the better the coating sticks to the chicken. You can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Giving the chicken pieces space ensures they bake evenly and get crispy.
Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for more tang.
Reheat for Freshness: If you’re serving leftovers, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Double the Recipe: These bites go fast, so make extra if you’re serving a crowd.

Variations

Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal instead of corn flakes.
Air Fryer Method: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Buffalo-Style Chicken: Swap the honey BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy alternative.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

For freezing, arrange the cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and hot.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Rolling Pin or Food Processor: For crushing the corn flakes into fine crumbs.
Mixing Bowls: For the breading stations and sauce preparation.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as delicious and may even be juicier.

What’s the best way to make the coating stick?
Coat the chicken in flour first, then dip it into the egg mixture before rolling it in the cornflake crumbs. This ensures the coating adheres well.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before tossing with the chicken.

What dipping sauces go well with this?
Ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic options.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, but baking is a healthier option that still delivers amazing crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Crispy, saucy, and downright irresistible, these Crispy Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and so satisfying to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe has got you covered.

Try them out, and let me know how they turned out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!

Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken – Crispy, Saucy, and Delicious

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Description

Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken bites baked to crispy perfection and coated in a sticky, sweet honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
5 cups corn flakes, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce:

3/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss chicken pieces in flour, then coat with the egg-milk mixture. Roll in crushed corn flakes mixed with seasonings.
Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Heat BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup in a saucepan until slightly thickened.
Toss the baked chicken bites in the warm sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Use finely crushed corn flakes for the crispiest coating.
For a spicy kick, add hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
These bites pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American