Buffalo Popcorn Chicken

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of biting into crispy, spicy Buffalo Popcorn Chicken. This dish takes me back to game nights with friends, where the aroma of frying chicken fills the air, and laughter echoes in the background. I remember the first time I made it; the anticipation built as the pieces sizzled away in the hot oil, and soon enough, a golden brown batch was ready to be devoured. Paired with a creamy blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks, every bite is a burst of flavor that transports me to my favorite sports bar. The Buffalo Popcorn Chicken isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebration, this dish never fails to please.

Ingredients Required for Buffalo Popcorn Chicken

Cooking with fresh, quality ingredients is essential for a successful dish, and that’s certainly true for the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and textures we love. From the tender chicken to the spicy hot sauce, every component contributes to the final masterpiece.

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – The star of the show! This succulent chicken provides the perfect canvas for all the flavors to shine.
• 2 tablespoons Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or similar, use more or less depending on heat preference – This iconic hot sauce gives the dish its signature kick and flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Essential for creating the crispy coating that encases the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps to achieve a light and airy texture in the batter.
• 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the natural tastes of the ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Balances the heat from the hot sauce with a hint of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and savory flavor to the batter.
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances the overall taste.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk – Provides moisture and tanginess, making the batter rich and creamy.
• 1/2 cup water – Adjusts the consistency of the batter for perfect coating.
• 4 tablespoons Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, or hot sauce of choice, use more or less depending on heat preference – Additional zing for dipping or mixing into the batter.
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity that brightens the dish.
• 1/2 cup flour mixed with 2 teaspoons cornstarch, for dredging – This mixture creates a superior crispiness when frying.
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (click link for recipe) – A classic pairing that cools the heat of the chicken and adds creaminess.
• Celery sticks – A refreshing crunch that complements the spicy chicken.

The Process for Making Buffalo Popcorn Chicken

Making Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is an exciting journey filled with sizzling sounds and delicious aromas. Follow these detailed steps for perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken that everyone will love.

1. Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and stir to combine. Allow this to marinate for a few minutes, which enhances the flavor of the chicken.
2. In a separate shallow bowl, put 1/2 cup of the flour/cornstarch mixture aside. This is for dredging the chicken later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly.
4. Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of water to the dry mixture. Stir until there are no lumps left. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
5. Incorporate 4 tablespoons of hot sauce and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar into the batter, mixing until combined. Taste a little for seasoning.
6. In a small skillet, pour in enough oil to reach at least 1/2 inch depth. Heat the oil to 365ºF using a candy thermometer. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness.
7. Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour/cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip each piece into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
8. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil one by one. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
9. Once cooked, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for about 1 minute. This step helps remove excess oil and keeps your chicken crispy.
10. Serve the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken immediately with a side of blue cheese dressing and fresh celery sticks for dipping. Enjoy the crunch and flavor!

Make It Your Own

The beauty of the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken recipe lies in its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some tips to make it your own:

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked pieces for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of carrot sticks or a fresh garden salad to balance the spiciness of the chicken.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the batter to suit your taste, or try different hot sauces for unique flavors.
• Alternative Sauces: Experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or barbecue for a different twist on flavors.

Perfect Pairings for Buffalo Popcorn Chicken

To truly elevate your Buffalo Popcorn Chicken experience, consider these perfect pairing options:

• Classic French Fries: Crispy fries make a great side, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken, balancing out the meal.
• Beer-Battered Onion Rings: Another crispy treat that pairs well with the flavors of the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a vegetarian option, serve these spicy bites alongside for a complete Buffalo experience.
• Refreshing Drinks: Sweet tea or lemonade can help cool down the spice and make a wonderful beverage choice for your meal.
• Movie Nights: This dish is ideal for casual nights in front of the TV, making it perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is truly a flavorful and exciting dish that combines crunch with spice in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress. I encourage you to try making this dish yourself; you’ll love the delicious results!

Buffalo Popcorn Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, spicy treat that's perfect for game nights or casual dinners. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this dish promises a flavor explosion with every bite. Make it tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of heat and crunch!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 large Boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Sauce Or similar, use more or less depending on heat preference
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk
• 1/2 cup Water
• 4 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot Sauce Or hot sauce of choice, use more or less depending on heat preference
• 2 teaspoons White vinegar
• 1/2 cup Flour Mixed with 2 teaspoons cornstarch, for dredging
• Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (click link for recipe)

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken pieces and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce in a bowl and stir to thoroughly combine. Set aside.
• Place the 1/2 cup of flour/cornstarch mixture in a shallow bowl and set aside.
• Combine the 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder in a large mixing bowl and whisk in the buttermilk and water until no lumps remain. Add the 4 tablespoons of hot sauce and the vinegar and stir to combine.
• Pour some oil into a small skillet to at least 1/2 inch depth. Using a candy thermometer, heat the oil to 365ºF.
• Dredge the chicken pieces into the flour/cornstarch, shake off the excess, then dip the pieces into the wet batter. Immediately place the chicken pieces carefully into the hot oil and fry on all sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side. Work in batches and be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for 1 minute.
• Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Notes

• Tip 1: Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze cooked pieces for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
• Tip 3: Serve with a side of carrot sticks or a fresh garden salad to balance the spiciness of the chicken.
• Tip 4: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the batter to suit your taste, or try different hot sauces for unique flavors.
• Tip 5: Experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or barbecue for a different twist on flavors.

Keyword Buffalo Chicken Bites, Crispy Buffalo Chicken, Easy Chicken Appetizer, Spicy Popcorn Chicken