Description
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Popcorn combines the crunch of popcorn with the tangy flavors of Buffalo chicken for a unique and satisfying snack. Perfect for game nights or movie marathons, it’s a crowd-pleaser that packs a flavorful punch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (approximately 2 medium-sized chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (or 1 bag of plain microwave popcorn)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if popping kernels on the stovetop)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by popping your popcorn. If using kernels, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add a few kernels to the pot and cover. Once they pop, add the remaining kernels, cover the pot, and shake gently. Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Once melted, whisk in 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the mixture is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce mixture. Toss until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Don't skip this step! Ensuring the chicken is well coated adds flavor to every bite.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the popped popcorn evenly on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining Buffalo sauce mixture over the popcorn, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt to taste. Carefully toss the popcorn to ensure even distribution of the sauce.
- Top the popcorn with the buffalo chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the popcorn. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until heated through and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; you'll know it's ready when the edges of the popcorn start to turn golden.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese or ranch seasoning before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Be generous with the salt and spices to enhance the overall flavor. Consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience, and feel free to adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference.