Enjoy the irresistible taste of Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken with this homemade recipe that replicates the crispy, juicy goodness of the popular fast-food chain. With a perfectly seasoned crispy coating and tender, juicy meat, this fried chicken will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a night in or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this recipe will have you frying up batches of delicious chicken that rival the original flavor. Let’s get into the recipe and learn how to make Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken at home!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 pounds chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the chicken to marinate and tenderize.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish or large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for white meat or 175°F (80°C) for dark meat.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and transfer it to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or macaroni and cheese.
- Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of homemade fried chicken that rivals the taste of the original Popeye’s recipe!
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and seasoned flour mixture before frying.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
- Experiment with the seasonings to adjust the flavor according to your taste preferences.
With this homemade Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe, you can enjoy the delectable taste of crispy, juicy fried chicken from the comfort of your own home. This fried chicken, with its perfectly seasoned coating and tender, juicy meat, is sure to become a favorite for family meals, gatherings, or whenever you want a comforting and satisfying meal. So roll up your sleeves, heat up the oil, and get ready to make a batch of irresistible Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken that will have everyone asking for more!