Description
Spicy Popeyes Copycat Fried Chicken brings Southern comfort right to kitchen counters with crispy, golden perfection. Juicy chicken pieces sealed with bold Cajun seasoning promise a finger-licking experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frying Ingredient:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare a zesty buttermilk marinade by blending tangy buttermilk with aromatic spices including salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and minced garlic. Completely submerge chicken pieces, then refrigerate for 4-8 hours to infuse deep flavor.
- Create a robust seasoned flour mixture by whisking together flour with a complex blend of spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Carefully extract chicken pieces from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Meticulously coat each piece in seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. Allow coated chicken to rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes, helping the coating adhere and become crisp.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
- Fry chicken in strategic batches, gently turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown coloration. Dark meat requires approximately 12-15 minutes, while white meat needs 10-12 minutes. Confirm doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while crispy and piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Use buttermilk to help tenderize the meat and create a crispy, clingy coating.
- Let coated chicken rest before frying to ensure the breading sticks perfectly and creates a crunchier exterior.
- Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning while achieving a golden, crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg