Description
Popeyes spicy fried chicken recipe delivers a crispy, fiery sensation that ignites Southern comfort food. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a signature blend of spices, this dish promises a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 2 tsps hot sauce (Tabasco or Louisiana)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a deep fryer or skillet about 2-3 inches deep)
Instructions
- Marinate: Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices in a large bowl. Immerse chicken pieces completely, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to infuse intense flavor.
- Seasoning Preparation: Combine flour, cornstarch, and spice blend in a wide container. Mix meticulously to create a uniform, flavor-packed coating that guarantees exceptional crispiness.
- Dredging Process: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece generously in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a robust, textured exterior. Double-dip by re-coating in buttermilk and flour for maximum crunch.
- Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to a precise 350°F. Maintain consistent temperature for optimal frying conditions.
- Frying Technique: Carefully lower marinated chicken into hot oil, maintaining strategic spacing. Rotate pieces periodically to ensure even golden-brown coloration and thorough cooking. Fry until internal temperature reaches safe levels and exterior achieves a spectacular, crackling crispness.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain while preserving the remarkable crunch. Serve piping hot with traditional Southern accompaniments for an extraordinary culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture for 4-8 hours to maximize flavor depth and tenderness, ensuring each bite bursts with zesty, spicy notes.
- Double-Dredge for Ultimate Crunch: Repeat flour coating process twice to create an extraordinarily crispy, textured exterior that delivers a satisfying crackle with every bite.
- Monitor Oil Temperature Precisely: Maintain consistent 350F oil heat to prevent soggy or burnt chicken, using a reliable kitchen thermometer for perfect golden-brown results.
- Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg