Popeye's CopyCat Fried Chicken
Enjoy the crispy, juicy flavor of Popeye's fried chicken at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly spiced and marinated for delicious tenderness.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce
For the coating
- 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)
Instructions
Marination
- Begin by whisking together the buttermilk and Louisiana hot sauce in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor and tenderness.
Preparation
- Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before frying.
- Heat your frying oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F.
- Mix the flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, white pepper, black pepper, and salt in a large dish or bowl.
Frying
- Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat each piece completely.
- Shake off excess flour and set aside.
- Fry the chicken in batches until it’s golden brown and an internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and set it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for perfect frying. Let the chicken rest after frying; it allows the juices to redistribute. If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.