Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Get ready to elevate your snacking game with this tantalizing recipe for Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken. Perfect for gatherings or cozy movie nights, this dish combines the irresistible crunch of popcorn chicken with a sweet and spicy twist that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Picture juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy shell, drizzled with a mouthwatering blend of honey and hot sauce. The combination of flavors in this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of homemade Southern cooking and the trendy sweet heat of hot honey, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and modern flair. So, whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a delicious snack, this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is guaranteed to steal the show.

Quick Benefits

• Irresistibly Crisp Texture: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a crunchy coating that envelops the juicy chicken pieces, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Sweet and Spicy Flavor Profile: The hot honey sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and heat, elevating the flavor of the popcorn chicken with a delightful blend of flavors.
• Versatile and Shareable Snack: Perfect for parties, game nights, or movie marathons, this popcorn chicken is a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly, making it an ideal dish for sharing with friends and family.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Leftover popcorn chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated to maintain its crispness, while freezing the cooked chicken allows for easy reheating for a quick and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of juicy chicken coated in a crispy shell, drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, offers a perfect balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect Party Bite: Ideal for gatherings or game nights, this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast due to its delicious taste and shareable nature.
• Homemade Goodness: This recipe captures the essence of homemade comfort food, inspired by family traditions and southern flavors, making it a memorable dish that stands out from store-bought options.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal preferences – whether you prefer a sweeter glaze, a milder spice level, or gluten-free options, this recipe allows for customization to suit different tastes.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: You can prepare and freeze the popcorn chicken in advance, making it convenient for quick meals or snacks. Reheating instructions ensure that the chicken stays crispy and delicious.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish has proven to be a hit with picky eaters, party guests, and family members, making it a go-to recipe that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Nostalgic and Heartwarming: Reminiscent of homemade meals shared with loved ones, this recipe brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it a special treat for any occasion.
• Endless Serving Ideas: From sliders to salad to appetizer platters, the versatility of this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken allows for creative serving options, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Ingredients for Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Poultry

• 2 pounds chicken breast, diced into small pieces

Breading and Coating

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Binding

• 2 large eggs, beaten

Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup honey

Frying

• 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying

Pro Tips for Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

For the crispiest Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken, use a combination of flour and cornstarch in the coating and fry in hot oil at 375°F. This will ensure a crunchy exterior without being greasy. Drain the chicken on paper towels after frying to remove any excess oil.

If you prefer a milder heat, feel free to use less hot sauce or substitute it with a milder option to tailor the spiciness to your liking. This way, you can enjoy a sweeter glaze with just a hint of spice, perfect for those who are sensitive to heat.

To enhance the juiciness and flavor of the dish, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Cut the thighs into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender. This small change will take your Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken to the next level of deliciousness.

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Heat Frying Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together.

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Dry Ingredients

Coat diced chicken breast evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 4: Dip in Egg Wash

In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. Dip each coated chicken piece into the beaten eggs.

Step 5: Second Coating

Coat all egg-dipped chicken pieces in the flour mixture once more, ensuring they are evenly coated with a thick layer.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Batches

In batches of up to 8 pieces, fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 7: Prepare Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to gently bubble, then remove from heat.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Pour the warm honey sauce generously over the cooked popcorn chicken. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken, allow any leftover pieces to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the popcorn chicken for up to three days to maintain freshness. When reheating, place the chicken on a baking rack in a hot oven for five to ten minutes to help retain its crispiness. Avoid covering the chicken tightly immediately after frying to prevent steam from softening the coating.

For longer-term storage, freeze the cooked popcorn chicken by arranging the individual pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a zip-top bag for easy storage. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen popcorn chicken in a hot oven until heated through and crispy, then toss with the hot honey sauce for a delicious meal or snack.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version of this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken, you can swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to double-check that your hot sauce is also gluten-free to maintain the dish’s gluten-free status.

If you prefer a milder glaze with less spice, you can use less hot sauce or substitute it with a milder option such as a sweet chili sauce. This will give you a sweeter glaze while still maintaining the overall flavor profile of the dish.

If you want to add extra juiciness and flavor to your popcorn chicken, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Cut the chicken thighs into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and maintain the crispy coating.

Experiment with different sweeteners in the hot honey sauce. One option is to swap the honey for agave syrup, as one friend did with great results. This substitution can bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish while still keeping the sweet heat combination that makes this Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken so delicious.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving the Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken in individual mini waffle cones with a drizzle of hot honey sauce on top. This fun presentation adds a playful twist to the dish and makes it easy for guests to grab a bite while mingling at a party.

Another serving idea is to create a DIY popcorn chicken slider bar. Set up a station with small slider buns, a variety of toppings like pickles, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes, and of course, the hot honey popcorn chicken. Let guests build their own sliders with their favorite toppings for a customizable and interactive dining experience that’s perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.

FAQs for Crispy Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken

Can I use a different type of oil for deep frying?

Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly. You can use other high smoke point oils like canola or peanut oil as well.

Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?

Yes, you can use less hot sauce or substitute a milder option if you prefer a sweeter glaze with less spice. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Cut them into small, even pieces for best results. Chicken thighs work beautifully if you like a bit more richness and tenderness.

What are some serving suggestions for Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken?

Pair with fresh salads, slaw, or fries for a full meal, or enjoy as a flavorful appetizer on game days. You can also serve these chicken bites on a platter with extra drizzles of hot honey and sprinkle with chopped chives for color, or make amazing sliders by popping them in a soft roll with pickles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is a dish that never fails to impress and satisfy a crowd. Its irresistible combination of crispy chicken, sweet and spicy honey drizzle, and addictive crunch makes it a go-to favorite for parties, movie nights, or simply a delicious snack. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations like using different types of honey, alternative sweeteners, or seasonal twists, this dish is sure to be a hit every time.

So, gather your loved ones, put on a movie, or set up a game night, and treat everyone to the delightful flavors of Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken. With its versatility, easy preparation, and mouthwatering taste, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of making it as much as you relish every bite, and let the sweet heat and crunch of Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken bring joy and satisfaction to all who indulge in it.