Crispy Homemade Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving that crispy popeyes copycat fried chicken can transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Louisiana-style seasoning gives these golden pieces an irresistible kick.

Southern comfort meets kitchen creativity in this classic recipe.

Spices blend perfectly to recreate that famous restaurant taste.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these crunchy delights.

Marinating chicken overnight guarantees maximum flavor and tenderness.

You won’t believe how simple it is to make restaurant-quality fried chicken right in your own kitchen.

FAQs About Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Why buttermilk for soaking chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful by breaking down protein fibers and adding a subtle tangy taste to the chicken.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe to eat and thoroughly cooked.

• Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best, but you can also use peanut oil or canola oil, which have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the chicken’s seasoning.

What Makes Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken So Delicious

• Blast Flavor Fusion: Packed with a bold blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne that deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.
• Master Homemade Magic: Perfect for cooks wanting to recreate a popular fast-food favorite with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals that will satisfy everyone's comfort food cravings.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Works beautifully with different chicken cuts, allowing flexibility for drumsticks, wings, or breasts while maintaining that signature crispy exterior.

Ingredients for Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Fresh pieces that create the base of this delicious fried chicken recipe.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and provides a tangy flavor base for marination.

• All-Purpose Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a flavorful and crispy seasoned coating that gives the chicken its signature Popeyes-style crunch and spicy taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for deep frying and helps achieve a golden brown, crispy exterior on the chicken.

Instructions for Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

Step 1: Soak and Marinate Chicken

Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to luxuriate and tenderize for a full hour or overnight in the refrigerator. This magical bath ensures juicy, flavorful meat that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a perfectly seasoned flour mixture that will create an irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet until it reaches a sizzling 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crunchy perfection.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Coat each chicken piece generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess to ensure an even, crispy layer that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each piece to crisp up beautifully. Fry in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even browning and complete cooking.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the incredible crispiness you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Plate up your masterpiece while it’s hot and crispy. Get ready for a flavor explosion that rivals the famous Popeyes chicken!

Pro Tips for Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Buttermilk Soak Secret: Let chicken marinate in buttermilk for at least an hour to ensure tender, juicy meat with deeper flavor penetration.
• Seasoning Balance Trick: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for milder or spicier results based on personal preference.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Drainage Technique: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep crispy coating crunchy and avoid soggy bottoms.
• Batch Frying Wisdom: Never overcrowd the pan, which drops oil temperature and creates uneven cooking, so fry in small batches for perfect golden crispiness.

Flavorful Variations for Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and extra cayenne pepper for a bolder, more complex flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Buttermilk-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar for similar tenderizing effects and tangy undertones.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Coat chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake at 425F for 25-30 minutes, using cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior while reducing oil content.

Pairing Suggestions for Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Zesty Lemonade Twist: Craft a homemade lemonade with fresh mint and a hint of cayenne pepper to complement the chicken's spiciness and cut through the richness.
• Southern Sweet Tea Delight: Brew a classic sweet tea with a splash of fresh lemon juice, providing a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the crispy, hot chicken.
• Beer Pairing Paradise: Choose a light, crisp pilsner or wheat beer that cleanses the palate and balances the heavy, savory flavors of the fried chicken.
• Sparkling Soda Splash: Grab a cold, fizzy cola or ginger ale to help cleanse your palate and add a sweet contrast to the salty, crunchy chicken.

How to Store Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remains good for up to 4 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Arrange chicken in single layer without overcrowding. Crisp for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to restore original crunchiness.

Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken brings Southern comfort straight to kitchen counters with crispy, golden perfection. Crunch through this irresistible recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor you can recreate with ease.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)

Marinade:

• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk

Dry Coating:

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 60 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
2. Combine flour with an aromatic blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a separate mixing container.
3. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or expansive skillet to a precise 350°F, ensuring optimal frying temperature.
4. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece by dipping into the seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off any surplus coating.
5. Strategically place chicken portions into the sizzling oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
6. Execute frying process in systematic batches, rotating pieces periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior, approximately 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
7. Extract chicken from hot oil, positioning on wire rack or absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess grease and maintain crisp texture.
8. Serve immediately while maintaining peak crunchiness and temperature for maximum culinary enjoyment.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight to tenderize and infuse deep flavor, ensuring juicier meat with maximum seasoning penetration.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on spice tolerance, creating a personalized heat level that suits individual preferences without overwhelming the palate.
• Let chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying to guarantee even cooking and prevent cold spots that might result in undercooked sections.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165F, guaranteeing food safety while maintaining optimal crispiness and moisture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 646 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 721 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg