If you’ve been craving a snack that’s crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken. It’s like the best of both worlds—sweet honey, a little kick of heat, and all the crispy goodness of fried chicken, but baked to perfection for a healthier twist. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! Trust me, once you taste these little golden nuggets of deliciousness, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or the star of a main dish, these sweet and spicy bites will win over everyone at the table.
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Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken
Crispy without the Frying: These popcorn chicken bites are baked, not fried, but still come out crispy and golden. No greasy mess—just perfect crunch.
Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The combo of honey and hot sauce creates a sweet and spicy balance that’s totally addictive. It’s the perfect amount of heat to keep things exciting without burning your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
Healthy-ish Comfort Food: You can enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the guilt. It’s a lighter take on a comfort food classic.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, these popcorn chicken bites are a guaranteed hit. They’re small, bite-sized, and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients in Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible popcorn chicken bites:
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the base. When cut into bite-sized pieces, it becomes perfectly juicy inside with a crispy coating outside.
Breadcrumbs: The key to that satisfying crispy texture. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.
Flour and Eggs: For the breading process. This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and gives it that lovely golden color when baked.
Honey: The sweet component that balances the heat in the sauce and gives the chicken a delicious glaze.
Hot Sauce: This is where the spice comes in. Add as little or as much as you like, depending on your heat tolerance.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These two seasonings add depth and savory flavor to the breading and sauce.
Olive Oil (optional): For drizzling over the chicken before baking to get that perfect crisp.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these crispy, sweet, and spicy bites? Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that your popcorn chicken gets perfectly crispy and golden.
Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to get that perfect crispy coating but large enough to stay juicy inside.
Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
Bake the Chicken: Lay the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if you prefer it spicier.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and toss it in the sweet and spicy sauce until each piece is coated evenly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your sweet and spicy popcorn chicken warm, with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 350–400 (depending on portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken
These little bites are so versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving them:
As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for a movie night or party snack, served with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or even a cool cucumber dip.
With a Side Salad: Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for a more substantial meal that balances the richness of the chicken with some fresh, healthy veggies.
In Wraps or Tacos: Try using these popcorn chicken pieces in a wrap or soft taco for a fun twist. Add some shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
With Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Keep it classic with some crispy fries or sweet potato fries on the side. These would be the perfect companions to soak up any extra sauce!
Over Rice or Quinoa: Make this a full meal by serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It adds some fiber and makes for a heartier dish.
Additional Tips
Spice Control: You can adjust the spiciness by playing with the amount of hot sauce. If you want a milder version, start with a little and taste-test as you go.
Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Try Different Sauces: Mix things up by experimenting with different flavors—teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy mustard sauce would all work well with these crispy chicken bites.
Make a Double Batch: This recipe is great for meal prep! Double the batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and more flavorful, though the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the pieces.
Q2: Can I bake the chicken without oil?
A2: You can, but the olive oil helps the chicken get extra crispy. If you prefer to skip it, you can still bake the chicken, but it might not be as crunchy.
Q3: How do I make this spicier?
A3: Simply add more hot sauce to the glaze or toss the chicken in a little extra hot sauce after baking. If you like things extra spicy, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just bake and sauce when you’re ready to serve!
Q5: Can I freeze the popcorn chicken?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the breaded chicken before baking. Just bake them straight from frozen when you’re ready to cook them, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy.
Q7: Can I make this without the sweet sauce?
A7: Yes! If you’re not into sweet flavors, you can leave out the honey and hot sauce and just enjoy the crispy chicken as is, or season with your favorite spices.
Q8: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
A8: Absolutely! Air fry the breaded chicken at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an even crispier result.
Q9: How do I make the coating extra crispy?
A9: For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the breadcrumb mixture or use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Q10: Can I double the sauce recipe?
A10: Definitely! If you love sauce, feel free to double the glaze. It’s perfect for dipping and drizzling.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy that will have you coming back for more with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or adding it to a main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Time to make these little golden bites of heaven!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken with a flavorful, zesty glaze. The tangy sweetness from the orange glaze combined with the heat from chili garlic sauce makes this dish irresistible. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with your favorite garnishes!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko
- 1/4 cup unbleached, all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced chives, sliced green onion
- For the Sweet and Spicy Orange Glaze:
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (add more to give the chicken more heat!)
- 1/4 cup orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken cubes and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko and flour. Toss the marinated chicken pieces in the panko mixture, coating them evenly.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sweet and spicy glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, orange zest, sesame oil, orange juice, brown sugar, ginger, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add it to the glaze and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and toss the chicken in the sweet and spicy orange glaze until well coated.
- Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced chives, or sliced green onion before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add some red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Serve the chicken with steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- To keep the chicken extra crispy, serve immediately after tossing in the glaze, or serve the glaze on the side as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4-5 pieces)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg