This Buffalo Popcorn Chicken Is Spooky Good

Step 1

Heat the oil in a tabletop fryer or cast-iron skillet to 350°F

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 200°F

Step 3

Line a sheet pan with a wire rack

Step 4

Set out three shallow dishes on your work surface

Step 5

Place the flour and cornstarch in the first dish, season with salt and pepper and use a fork or whisk to combine

Step 6

Place the ranch dressing in the second dish

Step 7

Place the crushed corn cereal in the third dish

Step 8

To bread the chicken, toss the pieces in the flour mixture, dredge them in the ranch dressing, then coat them in the cereal

Step 9

Place on a plate

Step 10

To bread the pepper rings and jalapenos, repeat the process used for the chicken

Step 11

Place on a plate

Step 12

When the oil is ready, working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes

Step 13

Transfer to the wire rack on the sheet pan and place in the oven to keep warm while you continue with the frying

Step 14

Next, working in batches, fry the pepper rings and jalapenos until golden brown, about 1 minute

Step 15

Add them to the rack with the chicken as you proceed

Step 16

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat

Step 17

Add the Frank’s RedHot sauce and whisk to combine

Step 18

Transfer the fried chicken, pepper rings and jalapenos to a large mixing bowl, pour the hot sauce mixture over the top and toss to combine

Step 19

Serve on a platter or in a large shallow bowl (or for a Halloween touch, a parchment- or wax paper-lined plastic jack-o'-lantern or cauldron) with extra ranch dressing on the side, if you like