Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken

Here’s a great Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe that captures the crispy, flavorful, spicy crunch Popeye’s is famous for!

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 4-5 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, wings)

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

For the seasoning/flour mix:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika if possible)

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 1/2 tsp MSG (optional but recommended for umami)

For frying:

• Vegetable oil (or peanut oil) for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.

2. Prepare the flour mix:
   In a large bowl or ziplock bag, mix all the seasoning ingredients with the flour until well combined.

3. Coat the chicken:
   Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken for a good coating. For extra crunch, you can dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour again (double dredge).

4. Heat the oil:
   Pour oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat to 325°F (165°C).

5. Fry the chicken:
   Fry the chicken in batches without overcrowding, turning occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Drain and rest:
   Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack over paper towels to keep it crispy.

7. Serve:
   Enjoy your crispy, spicy Popeye’s style fried chicken hot!