Crispy & Juicy Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving the irresistible crunch and bold seasoning of Popeye’s fried chicken? With this easy Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe, you can recreate that golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior in your own kitchen—no drive-thru required. Perfect for family dinners, weekend feasts, or game day, this fried chicken recipe delivers authentic Southern flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 to 8 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

For the Seasoned Flour Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For Frying

• 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil (for deep frying)

Serves: 6–8 pieces
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 4–24 hours
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: Up to 1 day (hands-on time: 40 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add chicken pieces, coating well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

4. In a separate large bowl or shallow tray, combine flour with paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, white pepper, and baking powder.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

5. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly so the coating sticks.
7. Let coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes to help the crust adhere better.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

8. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 325°F (165°C).
9. Work in batches, carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

10. Fry each batch for 13–18 minutes depending on the size, turning occasionally for even browning.
11. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
12. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel–lined tray or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or mac and cheese.
• Drizzle with honey or hot sauce for extra flair.
• Enjoy hot for maximum crispness, or cold the next day in sandwiches or wraps.

Nutritional Highlights

Nutrient	Per Piece (approx., thigh or drumstick)
Calories	390
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	5g
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	15g
Sugars	1g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	520mg
Cholesterol	95mg

Nutrition Notes:

• Using buttermilk in the marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds tangy flavor without adding much fat.
• The seasoned flour locks in moisture and creates a thick, crispy crust.
• Frying at the right temperature helps prevent oil absorption, keeping the chicken crisp rather than greasy.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Let chicken rest after dredging to firm up the coating.
• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature—if it drops too low, the chicken will absorb oil; too high, and the coating will burn.
• Double-dip for extra crunch: dip back into buttermilk, then flour again for a thicker crust.
• For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper or hot paprika to the flour mix.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Marinate Ahead: Up to 24 hours in the fridge.
• Store Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Best reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crunch.

This Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe delivers everything you love about the fast-food favorite—crispy, golden crust, juicy interior, and bold spices—all made fresh at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging your cravings, this foolproof method guarantees results worthy of any Southern kitchen.

Try it once, and it may just become your go-to fried chicken recipe!