Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor : A spot-on replica of Popeye’s signature seasoning.
- Juicy & Tender Meat : Buttermilk marinade ensures moist chicken every time.
- Crispy Golden Coating : Double dredging creates an extra-crispy crust.
- Customizable Heat : Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- 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
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce.
- 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
- In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning blend ingredients. Set aside.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and half of the seasoning blend. Reserve the remaining seasoning for later.
