Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine crispy, crunchy chicken bites with a perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and tangy blue cheese, all wrapped in an irresistible popcorn-crusted coating. This Buffalo Blue Cheese Popcorn Chicken isn't just a recipe—it's a game-day, movie-night, or anytime sensation that will have everyone begging for your culinary secret.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups popcorn, popped
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with crushed popped popcorn.
- Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels to ensure better breading adherence.
- Dredge each chicken cube first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the popcorn-breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a wire rack.
- Arrange breaded chicken cubes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for crisp coating.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and immediately toss chicken in buffalo sauce, coating evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the sauced chicken while still hot.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional crushed popcorn for extra crunch if desired.
Tips
- Ensure chicken cubes are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help the coating adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
- Use a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms and promote all-around crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each chicken piece space to ensure proper browning.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toss chicken in buffalo sauce immediately after baking while it's hot to help the sauce adhere and infuse maximum flavor.
- For extra texture, consider using a mix of regular and kettle-corn style popcorn in your breading.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
