It’s not just good… it’s dangerously close to the real thing. 🔥🍗
🍗 Popeyes-Style Copycat Fried Chicken
🕒 Prep: 30 min + marinating time | Cook: 15–20 min
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
🧂 Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken:
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2–3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, etc.)
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2 cups buttermilk
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1 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Louisiana or Frank’s Red Hot)
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1 tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika
🧁 For the Breading:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch (for that extra crunch!)
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2 tsp salt
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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½ tsp oregano
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½ tsp thyme
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Optional: a pinch of MSG (for that authentic umami boost)
🛢️ For Frying:
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Vegetable, peanut, or canola oil (enough for deep frying, about 3–4 cups)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
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In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix:
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Buttermilk
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Hot sauce
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Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
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Add chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated.
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Marinate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading
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In a large bowl, whisk together all dry breading ingredients.
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Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off but don’t rinse).
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Dredge well in the flour mixture, pressing it on to ensure a thick coating.
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For extra crunch, double dip: back into buttermilk, then into flour again.
3. Heat the Oil
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 325–350°F (160–175°C).
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Don’t overcrowd the pot — fry in batches!
4. Fry the Chicken
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Fry each piece for 13–16 minutes, depending on size, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels — this helps it stay crispy).
5. Let it Rest
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Let fried chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to lock in juices and finish crisping.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
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Biscuits
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Red beans & rice
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Coleslaw
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Mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy
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Hot honey or spicy dipping sauce
🔥 Pro Tips
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Add 1 tsp baking powder to the dry mix for lighter crunch.
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Want it extra spicy? Add more cayenne and a little chili powder to the flour.
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Leftovers? Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Would you like the Popeyes-style gravy or a baked (oven-fried) version too?
