Perfect-for-a-Party Popcorn Chicken

This last week has been bonkers! In a good way.

I’ve helped with throwing two parties in one week, one a small surprise birthday party for one of my close friends named Ben Fairchild and the other a big bash for the residents in the hall in which I serve as a resident assistant. Throwing parties is hard work y’all!

But these kind of events really show what I love about the South. Down here, we all want to be there for our loved ones whether that’s friends, co-workers, family, a girlfriend or boyfriend, a husband or wife, or even your friendly local veterinarian. At its best, the South is all about community.

Being the artsy, crafty guy in all my friend groups, it always seems that I end up either cooking for the party or leading it all together. Either way, being a broke college student, I usually need to entertain a good number of people for a small budget. It’s definitely a puzzle, but there’s no better feeling than seeing a group of people enjoying your work of love.

My two takes on one of my favorite foods, popcorn chicken!

This is a dish I made for the resident party earlier this week. I call it Southern Party Popcorn Chicken, and it’s essentially popcorn chicken two ways. Basically, you cook pre-made popcorn chicken from the frozen foods section and then dress it up in its party clothes. I do mine two ways, a sweet and spicy Cajun and a simple and savory Italian, but you can dress them up in any way you want. Here’s my take and, as always in blog world, a download link!

INGREDIENTS

For the Sweet and Spicy Cajun Flavor

• 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken
• Hot sauce (pref. Crystal)
• Honey
• Cajun seasoning

For the Simple and Savory Italian Flavor

• 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Sweet and Spicy Cajun Flavor

1. Liberally season the frozen chicken with the cajun seasoning.
2. Cook the chicken according to the bag directions until just under overcooked.
3. In a large bowl, combine the hot sauce and honey in two parts honey to three parts hot sauce.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, let it sit for just a minute to cool.
5. Dump the chicken into the hot sauce-honey sauce and toss to coat. 6. Serve hot.

For the Simple and Savory Italian Flavor

1. Lightly toss the frozen chicken in extra virgin olive oil.
2. Season the frozen chicken with the garlic seasoning, Italian seasoning, and salt.
3. Cook the chicken according to the bag directions until just under overcooked.
4. Serve hot.

Feel free to download this recipe and save it in your recipe Rolodex!

Perfect-for-a-Party Popcorn Chicken

I hope you enjoy these party-pleasing dishes and that your next bash will be amazing and have a little Southern kick!