Popeye's Fried Chicken Copycat

Recreate the irresistible crunch and bold, savory flavor of everyone’s favorite fast-food fried chicken with this Popeye’s Fried Chicken Copycat recipe. Perfectly seasoned and double-breaded for that signature golden crust, this recipe combines a spiced buttermilk marinade with a flavorful flour mixture featuring paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and dried herbs. The chicken is fried to crispy perfection while staying tender and juicy inside, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any table. Elevate your fried chicken game with this authentic, homemade version that’s simple to prepare and packed with restaurant-quality flavor. Pair it with classic sides like buttery biscuits or creamy coleslaw for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Bone-in chicken pieces
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Hot sauce
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Cornstarch
• 1.5 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp Black pepper
• 1.5 tbsp Salt
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2

In another large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, and baking powder.

Step 3

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Do not discard the buttermilk mixture.

Step 4

Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Dip it back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it again in the flour mixture for a double layer of breading.

Step 5

Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the breading adhere better during frying.

Step 6

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 325°F (163°C). Ensure you have enough oil to completely submerge the chicken pieces.

Step 7

Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook each batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Popeye's Fried Chicken with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3736.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13854.8

Total Fat 1240.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 221.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 1505.2mg	0%
Sodium 13601.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 353.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 26.1g
Protein 384.1g	0%

Vitamin D 344.5IU	0%
Calcium 917.8mg	0%
Iron 38.2mg	0%
Potassium 4993.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 79.1%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 10.0%