Popeyes Chicken Copycat Recipe

This homemade Popeyes fried chicken recipe features juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken with an ultra-crispy, well-seasoned crust that tastes just like the real deal!

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
• For the Coating:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Directions

1. Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare flour coating: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it into the chicken. Let rest 10 minutes.
4. Heat oil: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 325°F (165°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.
5. Fry chicken: Fry in batches, 12–14 minutes for thighs and drumsticks, and 8–10 minutes for wings, turning occasionally. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain & serve: Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve hot with biscuits or your favorite dipping sauce.