Popeye’s CopyCat Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Making crispy fried chicken at home that tastes like restaurant style chicken is a dream for many people. This Popeye’s copycat fried chicken recipe helps you get that same crunchy outside and juicy inside without leaving your kitchen. It uses simple ingredients, easy steps, and clear cooking methods that beginners can follow. You do not need special tools or chef skills. You just need fresh chicken, good spices, and a little patience while cooking. The result is golden, crispy, flavorful chicken that feels like a treat every time you bite into it.

Many people love fried chicken from Popeyes because it is very crispy and full of bold flavor. The outside has a strong crunch and the inside stays soft and juicy. The spices are rich and tasty, not plain or boring. This homemade version copies that style using pantry spices and a simple soaking method. Families enjoy it, kids ask for more, and guests feel impressed when you serve it. It is comfort food that brings smiles to the table.

You can make this recipe for weekend dinners, small parties, game nights, or special family meals. It is also great when you want something tasty and filling after a long day. Some people make it as a reward meal after a week of healthy eating. Others prepare it for celebrations and gatherings. The smell, the crunch, and the flavor create a happy food moment. If you enjoy bold taste and crispy texture, this recipe is perfect for you.

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Ingredients You Will Need

Here are the ingredients for about 6 servings.

For the chicken soak

Whole chicken cut into 10 pieces or 1.2 kg chicken pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the flour coating

3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup corn starch
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons paprika powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the egg mix

2 large eggs
4 tablespoons water

For frying

Oil for deep frying about 1.5 to 2 liters depending on pan size

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Step by Step Method

Step 1
Wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Make sure there is no extra water on the surface. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better and gives more crispiness while frying.

Step 2
Take a large bowl. Add buttermilk, yogurt, salt, paprika powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Put all the chicken pieces into this mix. Make sure every piece is fully covered. Cover the bowl and keep it in the fridge for at least 6 hours. Overnight soaking gives even better flavor and tenderness.

Step 3
When you are ready to cook, take out the chicken and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly and keeps the coating from falling off.

Step 4
In another large bowl, add all purpose flour and corn starch. Add salt, paprika powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Mix everything very well so the spices spread evenly through the flour.

Step 5
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add water. Beat them together until smooth. This egg mix helps build a thick crust.

Step 6
Take one chicken piece from the soak. Let extra liquid drip off but do not wipe it dry. Put it into the flour mix. Cover it fully with flour. Press the flour onto the chicken with your fingers so it sticks well.

Step 7
Now dip this floured chicken into the egg mix. Coat it on all sides. After that, put it back into the flour mix again. Cover it again with flour and press gently. This double coating creates a thick and crispy crust.

Step 8
Place the coated chicken on a tray. Repeat the same coating steps for all pieces. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest time helps the coating hold better during frying.

Step 9
Heat oil in a deep pan or heavy pot. Heat on medium flame. The oil should reach about 175 degrees C. If you do not have a thermometer, drop a small bit of flour into the oil. If it bubbles and rises slowly, the oil is ready.

Step 10
Carefully place a few chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Too many pieces at once will lower the oil heat and make the chicken less crispy.

Step 11
Fry each batch for about 12 to 15 minutes depending on size. Turn the pieces every few minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. The outside should become deep golden brown.

Step 12
Check doneness by cutting into the thickest piece. The juices should run clear and the inside should not be pink. You can also check with a thermometer. Inside temperature should be about 75 degrees C.

Step 13
Remove the fried chicken and place it on a rack or plate with kitchen paper. This removes extra oil and keeps the crust crisp.

Step 14
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside and improves taste.

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Why This Recipe Is Special

This recipe is special because it gives restaurant style fried chicken taste at home using simple steps. The long soak in buttermilk and yogurt makes the chicken very soft and juicy. The spice mix is rich and full, which gives strong flavor in every bite.

The double coating method creates a thick and crunchy crust. Corn starch in the flour mix adds extra crispiness. The mix of herbs and spices builds deep taste, not just saltiness. Every layer adds something to the final result.

You also control the quality of ingredients at home. You can choose fresh chicken and good oil. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. If you want less heat, reduce cayenne pepper. If you want more flavor, add more herbs. This flexibility makes the recipe useful for many taste preferences.

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Extra Tips for Better Taste

Use chicken with bone and skin for best flavor and juiciness. Boneless pieces cook faster but may be less juicy.

Soak the chicken overnight if possible. Longer soaking gives deeper flavor and softer meat.

Add one teaspoon sugar to the flour mix. It helps with better browning and color.

For extra crunch, add two tablespoons rice flour to the flour mix. It gives a light crispy bite.

Do not fry on very high heat. Outside will burn and inside will stay undercooked. Medium heat gives best results.

Let coated chicken rest before frying. This small step helps the crust stay in place.

Sprinkle a little fine salt on the chicken right after frying. It boosts flavor while the crust is still hot.

Serve with fresh lemon juice drops for a bright taste.

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Final Thoughts

This Popeye’s copycat fried chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who loves crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken. It is simple enough for beginners and tasty enough for serious food lovers. You do not need special equipment or rare ingredients. Just follow each step with care and patience. Once you try it, it can become your favorite homemade fried chicken recipe. Cook it for your family or friends and enjoy the happy reactions at the table.

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Nutrition Details

Approximate values per serving based on 6 servings.

Nutrition values can change based on chicken size, oil absorption, and exact ingredient brands used.