How to make Popeyes chicken?

1 answer

While an exact copy of Popeyes' secret recipe is not available, you can try making a delicious homemade version of Popeyes-style chicken using the following steps:

Ingredients:
- 3 lbs of chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breast pieces)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the refrigerator) to tenderize the meat.

2. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the dry seasoning mixture.

3. Take one piece of chicken at a time, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off, and generously coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure the chicken is coated thoroughly by pressing the flour mixture onto the surface. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and repeat with the remaining pieces.

4. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, allow them to rest for about 10-15 minutes, which helps the flour adhere better.

5. Fill a large pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil, about 2-3 inches deep, and heat the oil to 325-350°F (165-177°C). You can test the oil's temperature using a kitchen thermometer or by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready.

6. Carefully place a few pieces of the coated chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Note: Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and allow it to drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

8. Repeat step 6 and 7 for the remaining chicken pieces until all are cooked.

9. Serve your homemade Popeyes-style chicken hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness!

Remember, while this recipe aims to recreate the Popeyes chicken experience, the exact taste and texture may differ from the original.