Popeyes Fried Chicken: Recipe & Review

Popeyes fried chicken is a popular choice because of its crispy, flavorful coating, and juicy, tender meat. The recipe begins with soaking the chicken in a mix of spices and buttermilk, which helps keep it moist and packed with flavor. After that, it’s coated in a seasoned flour mix and fried until golden and crispy.

People love the chicken for its perfect balance of crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The spicy version adds a nice kick, while the classic is great for those who prefer a milder flavor. Overall, this fried chicken is a hit for its bold taste, satisfying crunch, and juicy goodness.

Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipes

This homemade Popeyes-style fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken at home.

Ingredients for Popeyes Fried Chicken

For Marination:

• 2 ½ lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 quart buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

Coating:

• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup hot sauce (like Louisiana Hot Sauce)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)

For Frying:

• Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Recipe Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best)

Prepare the Coating:

1. In one bowl, mix eggs, water, and hot sauce.
2. In another large bowl, combine flour, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cornstarch.

Coat the Chicken:

1. Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
2. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture for extra crunch.

Heat the Oil:

1. In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Test by sprinkling a little flour—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Carefully drop chicken pieces into the hot oil.
2. Fry for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through.
3. Cook until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).

Drain and Serve:

1. Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towel to remove excess oil.
2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce

Best Recipe Tips

• For Extra Crunch: Add cornstarch to the flour mixture for an extra crispy texture.
• Keep Chicken Cold: The colder the chicken is before frying, the crispier the crust will be.
• Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up.
• Even Cooking: Fry pieces of similar size together to avoid overcooking smaller pieces or undercooking larger ones.

This recipe gives you a delicious crispy, spicy, and juicy fried chicken, just like Popeyes. Perfect for any occasion.

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