Crispy Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe for Home Chefs

Crispy, golden-brown chicken that rivals the legendary Popeyes copycat fried chicken recipe beckons home cooks to master a beloved Southern classic.

This crowd-pleasing dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned buttermilk marinade and a crunchy, spiced coating that locks in juicy tenderness.

Every bite promises a satisfying crunch that will transport you to your favorite fast-food spot.

Bold spices and a carefully crafted technique transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to taste this irresistible creation.

Prepare to become the neighborhood’s fried chicken champion with this mouthwatering recipe.

Why Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Is So Good

• Savor Family Heritage: Embrace the heartwarming tradition of a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, bringing nostalgic comfort and love to your dinner table.
• Aromatic Herb Sensation: Infuse your kitchen with the delightful fragrance of fresh rosemary, creating an irresistible sensory experience that elevates these dinner rolls from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft restaurant-quality rolls with minimal culinary skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee success for bakers of all experience levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend meals, these rolls complement virtually any main course and satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents.

Ingredients For Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Signature meat for this classic fried chicken recipe with rich flavor and tender texture.

• Buttermilk, Louisiana Hot Sauce: Tenderizing mixture that adds tanginess and helps create a juicy, flavorful chicken.

• Flour, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, White Pepper, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Spice blend that creates a robust, crispy coating with complex layers of heat and seasoning.

• Frying Oil: Essential for achieving a golden, crispy exterior that seals in the chicken's moisture and flavor.

Step-By-Step Guide To Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up a Spicy Buttermilk Bath

Create a zesty marinade by whisking buttermilk and Louisiana hot sauce in a large bowl. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the mixture.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to infuse deep flavor and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Warm Up the Chicken

Take chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

This helps ensure even cooking and prevents cold spots.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Fire Up the Frying Station

Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.

Step 5: Dress the Chicken in Seasoned Armor

Remove chicken from marinade and generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess coating to ensure a crispy finish.

Step 6: Crisp to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.

Fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Rest and Drain

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes, letting juices redistribute and creating an extra-crispy exterior. Serve hot and enjoy the restaurant-quality crunch.

Helpful Tips To Perfect Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Let buttermilk and hot sauce work their tenderizing charm by marinating chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
• Bring chicken to room temperature before frying to guarantee even cooking and prevent cold spots in the meat.
• Create a bold seasoning blend by generously mixing multiple spices into the flour mixture for extra punch and depth of flavor.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F and avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure crispy, golden-brown chicken without greasy texture.
• Allow fried chicken to rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes after cooking, letting juices settle and creating a more succulent final dish.

Creative Twists To Try On Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk-Free Marinade: Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or coconut milk for a tangy, dairy-free alternative that keeps chicken tender and moist.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornmeal to create a crunchy coating for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Version: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic and herbaceous flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and smoked chipotle into the flour mixture for a bold, southwestern-inspired chicken experience.

Best Pairings To Serve With Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Crisp Citrus Refresher: Pair the spicy fried chicken with a zesty lemonade or fresh orange juice to cut through the richness and provide a bright, tangy contrast.
• Southern Comfort Companion: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or mac and cheese to balance the chicken's crispy texture with cool, smooth side dishes that complement its bold flavors.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Choose a chilled, slightly sweet Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to neutralize the spiciness and enhance the chicken's complex seasoning profile.
• Southern Soda Sidekick: Grab an ice-cold cola or root beer to help cool down the heat and add a classic American-style beverage pairing that brings nostalgic comfort to the meal.

Tips To Store Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Heat for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk contains acids that help break down protein in chicken, making it more tender and creating a softer, more flavorful texture while helping the coating stick better.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, increase the cayenne pepper amount or add hot sauce to the flour mixture to boost heat levels according to your preference.

• What type of oil works best for frying?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil are ideal because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring crispy and evenly cooked chicken without burnt taste.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken elevates comfort food with Louisiana-style crunch and zesty seasoning. Crispy golden breading and juicy meat promise a delicious homemade version you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Poultry:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)

Marinade:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Louisiana hot sauce

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Canola or peanut oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk and Louisiana hot sauce blend, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Allow marinated chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 20 minutes before cooking preparation.
3. Create a robust seasoning mixture by combining flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, white and black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
4. Preheat cooking oil in a deep fryer or large pot to exactly 350°F (175°C), maintaining consistent temperature for optimal frying.
5. Methodically coat each marinated chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage. Gently shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
6. Gently place coated chicken into hot oil in controlled batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining optimal moisture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the marinade by adding extra spices like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile that elevates the classic Popeyes taste.
• Try alternative buttermilk substitutes like yogurt or plant-based milk for dairy-free or vegan adaptations of the recipe.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every single time without guesswork.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before marinating to help the flour coating adhere more effectively and create an extra crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg