Description
Popeyes spicy fried chicken delivers Southern comfort with fiery flair, blending crispy, golden exterior and juicy meat. Craving bold flavors and crunchy perfection will draw you into this irresistible culinary adventure that brings restaurant magic straight to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (Tabasco or Louisiana)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Frying Ingredient:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a deep fryer or skillet about 2-3 inches deep)
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by whisking buttermilk, hot sauce, and a blend of aromatic spices in a spacious mixing bowl. Submerge chicken pieces completely, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour and cornstarch with an array of bold spices. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly, creating a complex flavor profile that will deliver maximum crunch and taste.
- Extract chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a dense, textured exterior. For an ultra-crispy finish, repeat the dredging process by re-dipping in buttermilk and then re-coating with seasoned flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a robust skillet or deep fryer, carefully monitoring the temperature until it reaches the precise 350F sweet spot for optimal frying conditions.
- Gently lower marinated chicken pieces into the sizzling oil, maintaining a strategic spacing to prevent overcrowding. Rotate periodically to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent cooking. Fry until the internal temperature confirms complete doneness and the exterior achieves a satisfying, crackling crispness.
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain and the exterior to maintain its remarkable crunch. Serve immediately alongside classic Southern accompaniments for a truly indulgent dining experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer than 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration, allowing spices to infuse completely into meat fibers.
- Double-dredging technique creates an incredibly crunchy, thick exterior that mimics Popeyes’ signature crispy coating.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to prevent soggy or greasy chicken, using a digital thermometer for precise monitoring.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, making the recipe adaptable for mild to super spicy preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg