Chai-Spiced microwave popcorn with extra butter is a simple yet flavorful, 10-minute snack idea that's perfect for easy hosting and munching while streaming! First posted December 2017. Last updated December 2021.
Popcorn is one of my go-to quick snacks for entertaining. So, when planning my first-ever Christmas party, incorporating it into the menu was a must. This buttery chai popcorn is sweet, spicy (not in a hot kind of way), and a little salty. It's also easy AF to make. Depending on the size of your gathering, just pop up a few bags of your favorite popcorn and toss all the ingredients together. Don't strive for perfection with this recipe, as it will be almost impossible to evenly coat every single kernel, anyway! Thankfully, that isn't required for deliciousness. You'll get a bit of buttery flavor, sweetness, saltiness, and warmth in each delectable mouthful. Let's get into how to add flavor to microwave popcorn.
If you like quick and simple appetizers, try these, too!
My chai-spiced popcorn is one of my favorite quick snack ideas for hosting. It's also how to take Netflix and chill to the next level. An easy yet elegant treat that tickles all your taste buds. I love incorporating chai into all kinds of recipes to add some complexity. This microwave chai popcorn is but one of many hits! Check out my apple butter chai latte for cozy mornings and my chocolate chai baked oatmeal for busy ones.
What You'll Need to Make Chai-Spiced Popcorn
- Butter
- Chai Spice Blend
- Allspice
- Cardamon
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Microwave Popcorn
- Sugar
This is the same spice combination I use to make my pumpkin chai snickerdoodle cookies and DIY latte dry mix. And you can make this a vegan chai popcorn recipe by using plant-based butter and vegan microwave popcorn.
Quick Video Tutorial
How to Serve Popcorn with Chai Spices
I love enjoying this treat on a regular Saturday night with something melanated from my streaming queue but it's also a fave for parties. Think award show watch party menu ideas or NYE muchies. This homemade spicy popcorn holds it down. Try incorporating it into a grazing board setup or snack station. I like a variety of flavors and textures when making appetizers so this dish covers the crunchy factor and hits on several taste points.
Tips for this Recipe
- Can I make chai popcorn ahead of time? You want to stay ready so you don't have to get ready and I totally get it. But I will say that this instant chai flavored popcorn is best enjoyed hot and fresh. What you can do ahead of time is mix up the chai spices and even combine with the sugar so that all you have to do when the time comes is sprinkle and shake.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Just use a vegan butter and vegan popcorn. Everything else is already plant based.
- How to store my DIY seasoned popcorn? In the event that you do have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or zipper sealed bag. They will keep for up to two days this way. Note that the texture will not be as crisp.
I hope you get to enjoy this scrumptious low calorie popcorn snack at your next function or even And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this easy flavored popcorn recipe over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Recipe for Chai Popcorn
Buttery Chai Popcorn
Ingredients
- 3 bags popcorn popped
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon chai spice blend
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add chai spice blend and granulated sugar to a small container and stir until combined.
- Spread popcorn out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with butter and chai spice sugar blend then toss until kernels are coated. Serve while warm.
- Alternatively, add butter and granulated sugar chai spice blend to the popcorn bags and shake to evenly coat.
Notes
- Can I make chai popcorn ahead of time? You want to stay ready so you don't have to get ready and I totally get it. But I will say that this instant chai flavored popcorn is best enjoyed hot and fresh. What you can do ahead of time is mix up the chai spices and even combine with the sugar so that all you have to do when the time comes is sprinkle and shake.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Just use a vegan butter and vegan popcorn. Everything else is already plant based.
- How to store my DIY seasoned popcorn? In the event that you do have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or zipper sealed bag. They will keep for up to two days this way. Note that the texture will not be as crisp.
Rachel says
I LOVE Chai and never would have thought of this! Totally going to give this a shot for a Christmas Eve party we're attending!
Jazz says
It's very easy to make and perfect if you love chai. Thanks for reading!
Kimberley says
Popcorn is one of those snacks that I could just snack on all day! This sounds like such a great flavour combo!
Jazz says
Me too and it really is a great combination--so addictive!
Courtney buechle says
This sounds sooo good! I was planning on bringing something to work - I think I will try this!
Belle says
Yum! That looks really good! I'll try this on our Christmas Eve movie night!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Jordan says
This is so creative but so simple! Love it!
Katie Tabor says
This looks awesome! I may need to bring this to my Mom's Christmas Eve party!
21flavorsofsplendor says
Yummy! Popcorn is my go-to snack all the time. I would never have thought to use chai spice on y popcorn, but I will definitely have to try this.