Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken

Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 4 hrs   |   Cook Time: 15 mins   |   Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins

Yield: 6 servings   |   Course: Main   |   Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Louisiana hot sauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate 4 hours or overnight.
2. Mix flour and all seasonings for coating.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and shake off excess.
5. Fry in batches for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Rest on wire rack 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate crunch, double-dip the chicken — buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → flour — before frying.