Here’s a popular and crispy Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe that nails that signature spicy, crunchy coating and juicy inside — perfect for homemade fried chicken cravings!
🍗🔥 Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 20 min + marinating | Cook Time: 15–20 min frying
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt.
Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. - Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. - Coat the Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
For extra crispiness, double dredge: dip back into buttermilk briefly and again in flour. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Use a thermometer for accuracy. - Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, do not overcrowd.
Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Adjust heat to maintain oil temp. - Drain & Serve:
Remove chicken and drain on paper towels. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
📝 Tips & Variations
- Use a thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra spice, add a bit more cayenne or hot sauce to marinade and flour mix.
- Oven-finish the chicken at 350°F for 10 minutes if you want less oil absorption.