Chipotle Lime Popcorn at a Glance
If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, you’ll know that we have a serious love affair with Mexican cuisine. We’re obsessed with the bold flavors, the balance of heat and citrus — it’s perfection.
Today, we’re adding another Mexican-inspired recipe to join the ranks of our chili lime popcorn and elote popcorn. Chipotle lime popcorn. This snack delivers smoky goodness in every bite, with a zesty brightness from fresh lime juice. And it comes together in minutes with help from your trusty Popper.
Just follow everything below:
Chipotle Lime Popcorn Ingredients
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½ cup popcorn kernels
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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3 tablespoons melted butter
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1-2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1 teaspoon lime zest
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1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Chipotle Lime Popcorn Directions
Step 1: Preheat
Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popsmith preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 2: Pour Oil and Kernels
Pour oil into the Popper and drop 3 test kernels. When the first kernel pops, toss in the rest and cover the pot.
Step 3: Turn and Pop
Turn the Popsmith’s crank clockwise while the kernels pop to keep them from burning.
Step 4: Remove
Take the Popper off the heat when popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops and pour the popcorn into a large bowl.
Step 5: Make Spice Blend
In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 6: Prepare Lime Butter
In another small bowl, mix the melted butter with the lime juice and lime zest until well combined.
Step 7: Season
The key to even coating is building it in layers rather than dumping everything on at once. Drizzle half the lime butter over the popcorn and toss to coat. Then sprinkle half the spice blend over the popcorn and toss again. Repeat with the rest of the lime butter and spice blend, tossing thoroughly after each addition.
Step 8: Serve
Dig in and enjoy your chipotle lime popcorn!
More Chipotle Lime Popcorn Tips
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Don’t have the best heat tolerance? Start with less chipotle powder — you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
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Fresh lime juice makes all the difference in this popcorn. Try not to use the bottled kind if you can.
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This spicy popcorn pairs well with cold drinks. Think limeade, an ice-cold beer, or a frozen margarita.
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Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 3 days (though it's best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch).
Crank Up the Flavor
Smoky, tangy, and with just enough heat to keep you reaching back into the bowl, chipotle lime popcorn disappears fast no matter the crowd. Whether you're hosting a game day watch party or planning a casual backyard party, just pair it with a cold margarita, and you're set.
Need more popcorn inspiration? Check out our blog for ideas. We've got everything from spicy popcorn recipes to sweet popcorn ideas that'll keep your snack game strong!
