Name: Popeye's CopyCat Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485365H58M20S
Total time: PT-485365H58M20S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on); 3 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil works well)

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If you’ve ever craved that crispy, flavorful fried chicken from Popeye’s, I’ve got a treat for you! This Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken recipe brings all the irresistible crunch and bold spices of the fast-food favorite right into your kitchen. Get ready for juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with that signature crispy coating that’ll have you coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken

Crispy & Flavorful: The perfect blend of spices and a crispy coating that gives you that Popeye’s crunch we all love.
Juicy on the Inside: Thanks to the buttermilk soak, the chicken stays moist and tender even after frying.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a family dinner or craving a comfort food feast, this fried chicken recipe is a hit for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients: You can recreate the flavor of Popeye’s without any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy, flavorful fried chicken:

Chicken: 8 pieces of your favorite chicken cuts (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
Buttermilk: For soaking the chicken and adding that extra tenderness.
Spices:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (for a little heat)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the coating.
Cornstarch: ½ cup, to help create that extra crispy crust.
Baking Powder: 1 tsp to give the chicken that perfect rise and crunch.
Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten.
Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp (optional, but it gives the chicken a great kick!).
Oil: For frying, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to fry up some crispy, juicy goodness? Here’s how to do it!

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour in the buttermilk, add a pinch of salt, and a dash of hot sauce (if using). Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. The longer the soak, the juicier the chicken!

2. Prepare the Flour Coating

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all your spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper). This is your secret weapon for that crispy coating.

3. Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Next, dredge each piece of chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat every inch. Press gently to make sure the flour sticks well.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for the perfect frying temperature. You can test the oil by dropping a bit of the flour mixture into it—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain the Chicken

Once the chicken is perfectly crispy and golden, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy goodness with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~500 (depending on the size of chicken pieces and oil absorption)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes (excluding marinating time)

How to Serve Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken

This crispy fried chicken is fantastic on its own, but here are a few sides to round out your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, especially with some gravy on top.
Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw balances the spicy heat of the chicken.
Corn on the Cob: A simple and delicious side to enjoy with fried chicken. Grilled or boiled, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Biscuits: Serve with warm, buttery biscuits for an authentic Southern-style meal.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder fried chicken, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier crust, you can double-dip the chicken. After dredging in flour, dip it back in the buttermilk, then coat it in flour again before frying.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest after frying. This helps the coating stay crispy and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks or thighs?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Q2: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A2: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q3: Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
A3: You can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C), but you’ll lose the classic fried crispiness. Make sure to coat the chicken well and bake it on a wire rack to allow air circulation for crispiness.

Q4: Can I make this chicken spicy?
A4: Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade or the coating to make it as spicy as you like.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.

Q6: Can I freeze fried chicken?
A6: Yes, freeze fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 375°F (190°C).

Q7: What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A7: Peanut oil or vegetable oil works best because they can withstand high heat without burning.

Q8: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A8: You can marinate the chicken the night before and coat it with flour just before frying.

Q9: Can I use boneless chicken pieces?
A9: Yes, you can use boneless pieces, but the frying time will be shorter. Be sure to check for doneness with a thermometer.

Q10: Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
A10: Yes! If you have a deep fryer, you can use it instead. Just make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and the chicken doesn’t overcrowd the fryer.

Conclusion

This Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken recipe is an easy way to bring the crispy, juicy flavor of Popeye’s right into your kitchen. With perfectly seasoned chicken and a crispy coating, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving some comfort food, this fried chicken will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!