Almost Popeyes: Crispy, Spicy Fried Chicken

Recipe Introduction: Almost Popeyes!

Ever crave that crazy-good, crispy popeyes chicken recipe ? i totally get it! today, we're making a killer copycat popeyes chicken that's so good, you'll swear it's the real deal.

It's got that signature spice, that insane crunch, and that juicy, juicy chicken. you know?

About this Fried Chicken Recipe

This popeyes fried chicken recipe , is a tribute to southern deliciousness. while the original recipe is guarded more fiercely than the crown jewels, this copycat version is a fantastic substitute.

It’s a labour of love that's worth every minute!

It is a medium-level recipe, but don't let that scare you. It needs about 3 hours and 30 minutes, that includes marinating. It yields a yummy serving size between 6-8 people.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe

Honestly? it’s the closest you’ll get to popeyes copycat recipes without rhelping their kitchen! this recipe is a little bit better than that bland, factory produced chicken.

It's perfect for family nights, casual gatherings, or just when you need a serious cajun fried chicken recipe fix.

Plus, that buttermilk fried chicken recipe has amazing health benefits such as protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and calcium, important for bone health.

Plus, you know exactly what's going in it, unlike takeaway. we are not quite reinventing the wheel with this homemade fried chicken .

Let's do it!

Almost Popeyes: Crispy, Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs (1.3 - 1.8 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts)
• 4 cups (950 ml) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco, Frank's RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) paprika
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) onion powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) seasoning salt (e.g., Lawry's)
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil
• 4-6 cups (950 ml - 1400 ml) vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying

Instructions:

• Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices in a large bowl. Submerge chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
• In a large shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and all dredge spices. Ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
• Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres. Dip the dredged chicken back into the buttermilk marinade. Dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing again. Place dredged chicken on a wire rack while preparing the oil.
• Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 325°F (160°C). Maintain this temperature throughout frying.
• Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot (3-4 pieces at a time). Fry for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:2-3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Chicken Going!

Alright, so you wanna nail that popeyes chicken recipe vibe at home, yeah? honestly, the ingredients and gear aren't crazy-difficult.

This popeyes fried chicken recipe is totally doable, and you probably have half this stuff already!

Main Ingredients: The Popeyes Copycat Recipes Essentials

Let's break down what you need. Remember, quality matters, especially with the chicken.

• Chicken: 3-4 lbs (1.3 - 1.8 kg) bone-in, skin-on pieces. Think thighs, drumsticks, maybe breasts. Get good chicken! It makes a massive diff, honestly.
• Buttermilk: 4 cups (950 ml) . This is key for tender chicken. If you're in a pinch, milk with a splash of lemon juice works, but it's not quite the same.
• Hot Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Tabasco or Frank's RedHot are the classics. Feel free to use your favourite!
• Spices for Brine: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) kosher salt, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) black pepper, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika.
• Flour Dredge: 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cornstarch, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) paprika, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) onion powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) black pepper, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white pepper, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) seasoning salt (like Lawry's), 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cayenne pepper (adjust!), 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil. I once accidentally used Italian mix instead of oregano and thyme, it still tasted good but it wasn't the Popeyes Chicken Seasoning Recipe I was shooting for.
• Frying Oil: 4-6 cups (950 ml - 1400 ml) vegetable or peanut oil. Peanut oil gives the best flavour, I reckon, but it's pricier.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The blend of spices is where the magic happens. the essential combo? paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne! adjust the cayenne depending on your spice tolerance.

You can also try to experiment creating other popeyes copycat recipes . dried herbs like oregano and thyme add depth. don't be afraid to play around.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

Okay, you don't need a fancy fryer, but here's what will help.

• Large bowl : To marinate your chicken.
• Shallow dishes: For dredging, baking sheets will do the job.
• Heavy-bottomed pot: A Dutch oven is ideal. This is critical to ensure that the heat is well distributed.
• Deep-fry thermometer: Seriously, get one. Temperature control is everything . Target temperature 325° F ( 160° C) .
• Tongs: You don't want to get splashed with hot oil. Ouch!
• Wire rack: For draining the chicken. Keeps it crispy. Want Cajun Fried Chicken Recipe made simply at home? These are the basic equipment that will allow that recipe to be made!

Almost Popeyes Chicken Recipe : Crispy, Spicy Fried Chicken

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good popeyes fried chicken recipe ? it’s the ultimate comfort food. we can't get the real secret, but this popeyes copycat recipes will give you a run for your money.

This recipe brings that iconic crispy, spicy flavor right to your kitchen. trust me, it’s worth the effort. the double-dredge? game-changer.

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place : Get all your ingredients measured and ready to go. It really makes a difference! You know, like on those cooking shows?
• Time-saving organization tips : Marinate the chicken the night before. Seriously, 3 hours minimum is great, but overnight? Even better. Plus, mix your flour dredge ahead of time too.
• Safety reminders : Hot oil is no joke. Be careful and use a thermometer. Don't overcrowd the pot. And please, please make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) internally. We don't want any salmonella surprises!

Let's Get Cooking: A Step-by-Step Journey to Spicy Fried Chicken Recipe !

1. Marinate that Chicken : In a big bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices. Dunk the chicken in, making sure every piece is covered. Pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight.
2. Dredge Station : In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all those amazing spices. Get it mixed real good.
3. The Double Dip! : Take a chicken piece. Dredge it in the flour. Dip it back in the buttermilk. Then, dredge it in the flour AGAIN. This is the secret to that Popeyes fried chicken recipe crispiness, people!
4. Oil Up : Heat your oil in a big pot to 325° F ( 160° C) . Keep an eye on that temperature!
5. Fry, Baby, Fry : Gently put the chicken in the hot oil, don't crowd the pot, okay? Fry for about 6- 8 minutes per side , till it’s golden brown and reaches 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
6. Rest and Relax : Take the chicken out and put it on a wire rack to drain. Let it chill for a sec before you dig in. This is important; it lets the juices redistribute for super yummy Homemade Fried Chicken .

Pro Tips for Popeyes Chicken Seasoning Recipe Perfection

• Honestly, don't skip the double dredge. It's not Popeye's chicken recipe , but it's the only way to get that authentic crust, it's what makes this Copycat Popeyes Chicken so good.
• Play with the spice! I love things spicy, but if you don't, reduce the cayenne pepper. You do you! This method is ideal for creating a Cajun Fried Chicken Recipe .
• Resting the chicken is vital. Don't skip it!.

So there you have it! my take on popeyes fried chicken recipe . it’s a bit of a labour of love, but trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

And hey, if you happen to perfect it, let me know!

Recipe Notes for Your Almost Popeyes Chicken Recipe

So, you're about to embark on your popeyes chicken recipe adventure? ace! honestly, there's more to nailing popeyes copycat recipes than just throwing chicken in some flour.

Pay attention to these notes and you'll be sinking your teeth into some seriously tasty homemade fried chicken in no time.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Fried Chicken Feast

Alright, your popeyes fried chicken recipe is done. now what? forget just slapping it on a plate. think presentation! i love arranging the chicken artfully on a platter, maybe with some parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of colour.

Classic popeyes chicken recipe companions are your best bet here. think creamy coleslaw to cool down the spice. or how about some fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy? corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness.

And don’t forget warm, buttery biscuits! a cheeky little hack? warm up the biscuits with some garlic butter. trust me.

You won't regret it.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Crunch Alive

Right, so you’ve made a massive batch of Popeyes chicken recipe and have leftovers – lucky you!. To keep it as tasty as possible, here's the lowdown.

For refrigeration, let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. it'll keep for up to three days in the fridge.

Honestly, it’s usually gone by day two in my house!

Freezing? yeah, you can freeze it. wrap each piece individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.

It’ll be good for up to two months . reheating is key! preheat your oven to 350° f ( 175° c) and bake the chicken for about 15- 20 minutes , or until heated through.

This helps keep it crispy.

Variations: Spice It Up (or Down!)

Feeling adventurous with your spicy fried chicken recipe ? Or maybe you want to adapt this buttermilk fried chicken recipe for dietary needs? Got you covered.

Want a fiery kick? add an extra teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to both the marinade and the dredge.

For a lemon pepper twist, mix two tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning to the flour dredge.

Need a gluten-free option? simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. for a dairy-free version, use almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

Let it sit for five minutes to curdle before using!

Nutrition Basics: Not Exactly Health Food, But...

Okay, let's be real, this cajun fried chicken recipe is a treat. a delicious, crispy treat. but hey, knowing is half the battle.

Each serving clocks in around 550-650 calories. so, maybe pair it with a big salad to balance things out. the protein content is pretty decent, around 40-50g per serving.

It's packed with flavour and some essential nutrients, too. Just remember, moderation is key. Now go on, enjoy that Popeyes chicken seasoning recipe goodness, you deserve it!

Making your own copycat popeyes chicken recipe at home is dead easy once you get the hang of it. just remember to play around with the spices.

Don't be afraid to experiment to find your perfect popeyes chicken recipe flavour. you got this!