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Baked Honey Bbq Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Crispy popcorn chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a savory favorite. Perfect for snacking or entertaining.

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
• 3/4 cup (222g) your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (85g) honey
• 1/4 cup (68g) ketchup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Start by setting your oven to a toasty 400°F (204°C). While it warms up, grab a large baking sheet and cover it with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This setup will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on. Once prepared, set the sheet aside and move on to the next task.

2. Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Flour
   Place those bite-sized chicken pieces into a large bowl. Sprinkle the flour over them and give everything a good stir until the chicken is well-coated. This initial layer of flour helps the egg mixture stick better in the next step, ensuring a crispy coating. When you're satisfied, set the bowl aside and get ready to add some flavor.

3. Step 3: Prepare the Coating and Egg Mixture
   In another large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing them well to distribute the spices evenly. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and milk together in a separate small bowl. This egg mixture will act as a glue, holding our seasoning powerhouse in place.

4. Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
   Now comes the fun part! Take each piece of flour-dusted chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip away. Once coated, roll the chicken in the cornflake mixture, making sure it's thoroughly covered. Gently shake off any extra coating and lay each piece on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the chicken bites are ready for baking.

5. Step 5: Bake the Chicken
   Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the chicken cook for about 18 minutes. To ensure even crispiness, flip each piece at the 9-10 minute mark. Once they’re golden brown and cooked through, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This brief pause allows the coating to set nicely.

6. Step 6: Heat the Honey BBQ Sauce
   In a small saucepan, combine your favorite BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup. Set the heat to medium and let the mixture warm up for around 6-7 minutes, whisking now and then. You’re aiming for a smooth, well-blended sauce that's just begging to coat those chicken bites.

7. Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
   Toss the chicken bites into a large bowl and pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over them. Gently stir everything around to ensure each piece is generously coated. Serve them up while they’re still warm, and don’t worry if you have leftovers—these tasty morsels keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Notes

When preparing this delicious baked honey BBQ popcorn chicken, a frequent misstep is not crushing the corn flakes enough. Too large flakes can prevent even coating and crispiness. To tackle this, gently pulse them in a food processor or crush by hand until they're just right.

Another common hiccup is forgetting to flip the chicken halfway through baking. This little step is crucial for achieving that perfect, golden-brown finish. An easy solution? Set a timer for the halfway mark to remind you.

Avoid the temptation to skip the cooling time after baking. It helps the chicken firm up and promotes better sauce adherence.

Lastly, don’t rush the sauce; letting it simmer ensures all flavors meld beautifully. Just a few extra minutes can transform your dish from okay to outstanding!