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Let’s be honest: Popeyes has the best fried chicken recipe. Popeyes chicken is perfect because the meat is juicy and flavorful, and the skin is crispy! This recipe replicates that famous Popeyes taste but at home! Now, you can enjoy that same mouthwatering flavor at in the comfort of your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
My Top Tips for making the BEST fried Chicken
USE A THERMOMETER- I highly recommend using a thermometer for this recipe. Ensuring your chicken is precisely at 350 degrees is the key to perfectly crispy chicken.
LET YOUR CHICKEN REST. Allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes before frying allows the batter to cling to the chicken. I like to place my chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow my oil to heat while it rests. This is my #1 TIP for perfectly fried chicken!
DEEP FRY YOUR CHICKEN- I recommend using a large Dutch oven, deep fryer, or BIG pot so that your chicken is completely submerged in oil! The chicken will not be the same if you shallow fry it.
Ingredients for Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Copycat
- Chicken pieces: Use a mix of chicken pieces, (thighs, breasts, legs)
- Hot sauce: for that extra kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Eggs: We’ll need to use egg to coat the chicken pieces
- Baking Powder: this adds that crunchiness that Popeyes is known for
- Flour: the crispy coating that seals in the juiciness.
- Spices: the magic blend that gives this recipe the its signature taste.
- Oil for frying: I love using vegetable oil but you can use peanut, canola or corn oil too!
If you love making Copycat recipes like this one, try my other Ones, such as my Popeyes Fries, Beef and Broccoli Lomein, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Filet O Fish Copycat!
How to make Popeyes Fried Chicken (Step-by-Step)
1. Season your chicken
In a large bowl, season your patted dry chicken.
2. Prepare your Wet Batter
Whisk together eggs, ice water, hot sauce.
3. Prepare Dry Batter
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and spices.
4. Drege your chicken
Start by dredging the chicken in the dry batter, then into the wet batter, then back into the dry, ensuring to shake off any excess at each step.
5. Let your chicken rest!
Allow your chicken to rest on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before frying. This is very important.
5. Fry your chicken
Fry your chicken in oil that is 350 degrees, for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Serve with Your Favorite Sides
Pair your homemade Popeye’s Fried Chicken with classic sides like Popeyes Fries mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to takeout again!
FAQ for This Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe
A: Yes! I like to use vegetable or canola oil!
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Drop a pinch of flour into the hot oil; it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 packet of Sazon (or 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the wet batter
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oil to 350° degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder and spices.
- In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, cold water, and hot sauce using a whisk.
- In a separate bowl, season the chicken with the spices.
- First, coat the chicken in flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in egg batter and coat again in flour, shaking off any excess.
- For best results, let your chicken rest while it is fully coated for 15 minutes before frying. This will ensure that the coating sticks well and results in a crispy and delicious fried chicken.
- For best results, deep fry your chicken in 350°F oil for 8-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Favorite recipe ever. Really, really good and I’ve tried a lot. Family favorite and is now my go to very flavorful. Thanks for sharing.
Just amazing. I made this recipe, and now I’m debating if Popeyes if ever gonna see me again lol
This is the closest I’ve come to recreating Popeyes at home! Good Job!
I tried this recipe last night, and it was great! I used only one chicken breast, pounded thin and cut in half, and made two sandwiches. I adjusted the ingredient amounts proportionately; and since I didn’t have any Sazon, I used a little tomato bouillon. The results were wonderful! My husband, who is a pretty picky eater, loved the sandwich. Thank you for providing us an alternative to Popeye’s – our closest one is 30 minutes away.
Thanks for sharing and it went well for the recipes of popeyes copycat.