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Popeye's CopyCat Fried Chicken


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Restaurant-Quality Flavor : A spot-on replica of Popeye’s signature seasoning.
  2. Juicy & Tender Meat : Buttermilk marinade ensures moist chicken every time.
  3. Crispy Golden Coating : Double dredging creates an extra-crispy crust.
  4. Customizable Heat : Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
  5. Make It at Home : Skip the drive-thru and enjoy fresh, homemade fried chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Blend

  1. In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning blend ingredients. Set aside.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

  1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and half of the seasoning blend. Reserve the remaining seasoning for later.