Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe: Best, Crispy Copycat

Craving that delicious, spicy crunch of Popeyes fried chicken but don’t want to leave home? I’ve got the perfect copycat recipe that brings the famous Popeyes flavor straight to your kitchen.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll master making crispy, juicy chicken that’s as close to the original as you can get.

To get that signature taste, you’ll marinate the chicken in a mix of buttermilk and hot sauce. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Double coating the chicken with egg and flour ensures the incredible crunch that Popeyes is known for.

Grab your apron and get ready to fry up some mouth-watering, crispy chicken that will have everyone asking for more. You’ll be amazed at how close this homemade version comes to the real deal!

Key Takeaways

• Use buttermilk and hot sauce for marinating the chicken.
• Double coat the chicken with egg and flour.
• Fry to achieve the signature crispy texture.

Ingredients and Measurements

When making Popeye’s fried chicken at home, it’s important to choose the right chicken pieces and spices to get that authentic flavor and crispy texture. Here’s how to select and prepare your ingredients.

Choosing Your Chicken

For the best fried chicken, I always recommend using a mix of chicken pieces.

I use thighs, breasts, legs, and even chicken wings to offer variety. If you prefer, boneless chicken breasts can work too, but bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier.

Whole chicken cut into pieces is a great option as it includes all parts, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry. If desired, soak them in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight; this makes the meat more tender and moist. I sometimes use a saltwater brine to achieve similar results.

Selecting Flavorful Spices

The secret to Popeye’s delectable fried chicken lies in the careful balance of spices.

Start with basic ones like black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. A mix of paprika, white pepper, and cayenne pepper adds the right amount of heat and complexity.

I find that cayenne and paprika give a lovely color, while celery salt and oregano enhance the taste. For a milder option, reduce the cayenne.

Mix these spices into all-purpose flour to create the coating. An egg wash, made from eggs and milk or buttermilk, helps the flour mixture adhere better.

Using the right oil is crucial.

Traditional recipes use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying, which can withstand high temperatures and result in a golden brown crust.

Preparing the Chicken

To make Popeyes fried chicken, the first steps involve brining for juiciness and breading for a crispy texture. Each step is crucial for creating flavorful, spicy fried chicken with a crunchy coating.

Brining for Juiciness

I start by preparing a marinade to ensure the chicken stays juicy. I mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. The combination of buttermilk and hot sauce not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

I usually cover the chicken pieces completely with this marinade and let them soak for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Key Ingredients for Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• Salt

The brining time is essential. A longer marinating time ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors. Sometimes, I even add a bit of salt to enhance the brine. Overall, this step is a game-changer for making the juiciest, most flavorful chicken.

Breading for Crispiness

For the breading, I use a mix of flour, cornstarch, and spices.

Each piece of chicken is first coated in this dry mixture. Then, I dip it back into the buttermilk marinade for the double coating effect, and finally back into the flour mixture again.

Key Ingredients for Bread Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper

This double coating method ensures a thick, crunchy coating. The spices add a flavorful kick, making the chicken both crispy and spicy.

Once breaded, I let the pieces sit for a few minutes before frying. This resting time helps the batter set, making it stay on better during cooking.

Cooking Techniques

Perfecting Popeyes fried chicken involves selecting the right oil and maintaining the proper temperature to achieve a crispy coating and golden brown texture.

Choosing the Right Oil and Temperature

When frying chicken, the choice of oil is critical.

I prefer using vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil for their high smoke points. These oils ensure you can fry at high temperatures without the oil burning, which is essential for achieving that crispy coating.

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is just as important.

I always use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 320°F (160°C) when frying. This helps in cooking the chicken evenly, preventing it from being greasy or undercooked.

Whether using a deep fryer, Dutch oven, or a heavy skillet, the temperature should remain consistent. Fluctuating temperatures can result in unevenly cooked chicken. Using a thermometer gives me the confidence that my chicken will turn out perfectly cooked every time.

Frying to Perfection

To achieve the crispy coating Popeyes is known for, I first soak the chicken pieces in a buttermilk marinade. This step is crucial for tenderizing the meat and adding flavor.

After marinating, I coat each piece in a mixture of flour and spices.

When it’s time to fry, I gently place the chicken into the hot oil. The cooking time varies based on the size of the pieces, usually around 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. I avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece fries evenly.

Once the chicken is done, I transfer it to a wire rack over paper towels.

This setup allows excess oil to drain off while keeping the chicken crispy. Using just paper towels can make the bottom of the chicken soggy, so the wire rack is a must. This simple trick ensures that every bite is delightfully crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When making Popeyes-style fried chicken at home, you might have questions about ingredients, cooking methods, and alternatives. Here are some specific tips and tricks to help you get started.

How can I replicate the crispiness of Popeyes chicken at home?

To achieve that signature crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk. This creates a thick, crunchy coating. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough at around 320°F (160°C) before frying.

What are the spices used in Popeyes chicken seasoning?

The seasoning includes paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mixing these spices with flour gives the chicken that iconic flavor.

Is there a way to prepare Popeyes style chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the chicken with cooking spray after seasoning and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning midway.

How do I make a fried chicken sandwich similar to Popeyes’?

To make a tasty chicken sandwich, use boneless chicken breasts. Follow the same seasoning and frying method. Serve the chicken on a toasted brioche bun with mayonnaise and pickles for that authentic taste.

What type of oil is recommended for frying chicken like Popeyes?

Vegetable oil or peanut oil works best for frying chicken. These oils have a high smoke point, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy coating without burning.

What are some dairy-free alternatives for making Popeyes-style chicken batter?

For a dairy-free batter, replace buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This mimics the tangy flavor of buttermilk.

You can also use non-dairy yogurts or coconut milk.

These tips will help you create Popeyes-style fried chicken right in your own kitchen.