Homemade Popeye's Fried Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Crispy Goodness Right from Your Kitchen

If you’re craving the crispy, juicy, and downright irresistible fried chicken from Popeye’s, this copycat recipe will take you straight to flavor heaven! With its perfectly seasoned coating and tender, juicy chicken, it’s an absolute hit for family dinners or when you want that fast food indulgence without leaving your house.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first stumbled across this recipe on Recipes by Lisa, and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you all. Lisa’s recipe delivers all the spice and crunch that make Popeye’s chicken so iconic, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

This fried chicken is not just any ordinary dish—it’s packed with flavor from a blend of herbs and spices like paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper, creating a crispy crust that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or planning a feast, this recipe brings all the deliciousness of Popeye's right to your kitchen.

A Little Fried Chicken History 🍗

Fried chicken has deep roots in Southern cuisine, with influences from both African and European cooking traditions. What makes Popeye’s fried chicken stand out is the addition of Louisiana-style spices, which gives it that bold, zesty kick. This copycat recipe stays true to those flavors, with the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and juicy chicken inside. Now you can bring that Southern-style magic home!

Recipe Instructions

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing the buttermilk and eggs in a large bowl. Add your chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or let it marinate overnight for even juicier chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, and basil. This seasoning mix is what will give your chicken that authentic Popeye’s taste.
3. Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing it into the chicken to form a nice, thick coating.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is a golden brown crust, with the chicken cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain and Serve: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve your crispy chicken hot alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw for that true Popeye's experience.

Pro Tips:

• Extra Crispy Tip: For a thicker, crunchier coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour again before frying.
• Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference. If you want it extra spicy, go ahead and add a bit more cayenne or even some hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
• Side Dish Pairings: Serve with Southern classics like cornbread, mac and cheese, or collard greens for a complete meal.

This Popeye’s Copycat Fried Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring the magic of fast food into your own kitchen, with all the crispiness and juicy goodness you know and love. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a fun weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit!

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and share it with your friends. And be sure to follow Recipes by Lisa for more amazing recipes!