Description
This Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken recipe brings the crispy, flavorful, and juicy fried chicken you love straight to your kitchen. With a buttermilk marinade, homemade seasoning blend, and a double dredging technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—all from the comfort of your home!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
4–6 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
For the Seasoning Blend:
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp white pepper (optional, for authentic flavor)
For the Coating:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning blend ingredients. Set aside.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and half of the seasoning blend. Reserve the remaining seasoning for later.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it well.
Dip it back into the marinade, then dredge it again in the flour mixture to create a double coating for extra crunch.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (or use a deep fryer) to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 12-15 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Notes
Variations:
Adjust the Heat: Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Flavor: Add more seasoning to the flour mixture if you prefer a more intense flavor.
Storage/Reheating:
Storage: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Fried Chicken, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern
