If you’ve ever craved the crispy, spicy goodness of Popeye’s fried chicken, this Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe is here to make your day. With a buttermilk marinade that makes the chicken super tender and a perfectly seasoned flour coating, you’ll achieve that irresistible crunch and flavor right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe nails the signature spicy kick and crispy texture that Popeye’s chicken is famous for.
Perfect Crunch: The seasoned flour mixture ensures every bite has that crispy, golden perfection.
Tender and Juicy: The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken incredibly juicy and tender on the inside.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your liking!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

3 lbs of chicken pieces (with bones and skin): A mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts works best for a variety of textures.
3 cups of buttermilk: This keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
2 tablespoons of Louisiana hot sauce: Adds a kick of flavor to the marinade.
2 cups of all-purpose flour: The base for your crispy coating.
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor.
1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory taste.
1 teaspoon of onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet depth to the seasoning.
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper: Adjust based on how much heat you want.
1 teaspoon of white pepper: Adds sharp, earthy notes.
1 teaspoon of black pepper: For a more rounded, slightly pungent heat.
1 teaspoon of kosher salt: Helps bring all the flavors together.
Oil for frying: Canola or peanut oil are both great for frying due to their high smoke points.

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and Louisiana hot sauce. Stir to mix well. Add your chicken pieces, ensuring each one is completely submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This step is key to getting juicy, tender fried chicken with deep flavor.

Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes!

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

Once your chicken is ready, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook evenly, preventing the outside from getting too crispy while the inside remains undercooked.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or a large heavy pot, pour enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces, and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature stays consistent—this is crucial for perfectly fried chicken.

Tip: Using a deep fryer can make it easier to maintain a steady oil temperature, but a heavy pot works just as well!

Step 4: Prepare the Flour Coating

While the oil heats, prepare your flour coating. In a large bowl, mix together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. This spice blend is what gives the chicken that signature Popeye’s flavor.

Tip: For an extra crunchy coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after a quick second dip in the buttermilk!

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk marinade and let any excess drip off. Roll it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every part is well coated. Gently shake off any extra flour, then set the coated chicken aside.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Working in batches, carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Fry the pieces for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot; frying in smaller batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done frying, use tongs to transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Tip: Avoid placing the fried chicken on paper towels, as it can trap moisture and make the coating soggy.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe delivers everything you love about the fast-food classic: a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating, tender and juicy chicken, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving that homemade fried chicken experience, this recipe will hit the spot every time. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a complete meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)! 🍗

Recipe Notes and Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your personal heat preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Best Oil for Frying: Peanut oil is ideal for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but canola oil works well, too.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.