This Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Recipe is crispy, juicy and full of bold flavor. It tastes just like your favorite fast food. I love how crunchy the outside feels.
The inside stays soft and juicy. Many people search how to make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken at home. This guide makes it simple.
I share clear steps and helpful tips. The ingredients for Popeye’s Spicy Chicken are easy to find. You can enjoy this spicy chicken anytime at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe on a weekend evening. I wanted something crispy and spicy. The smell filled my kitchen fast. Frying felt easy with clear steps. The chicken turned golden and crunchy.
The spice level felt perfect. My family loved the flavor and crunch. Everyone asked for more pieces. Now this recipe is my go-to for fried chicken nights.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Popeye’s Spicy Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients You Need for Popeye’s Spicy Chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 800 grams
- Buttermilk – 2 cups
- Hot sauce – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- Paprika – 2 teaspoons
- Cayenne pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons
- Oil for frying – as needed
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in bowl. Add buttermilk and hot sauce. Mix well. Cover and rest one hour.
2. Prepare the Coating
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in bowl.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade. Shake off excess liquid. Coat well in seasoned flour mixture.
4. Rest the Chicken
Place coated chicken on rack. Let it rest ten minutes. This helps coating stick better.
5. Heat the Oil
Heat oil in pan to medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
6. Fry the Chicken
Add chicken pieces carefully. Fry until golden brown. Turn pieces to cook evenly.
7. Check Doneness
Cook until inside reaches safe temperature. Meat should be juicy and fully cooked.
8. Drain the Chicken
Remove chicken from oil. Place on paper towels. Let extra oil drain off.
9. Serve Hot
Serve chicken hot and crispy. Enjoy fresh crunch and spicy flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use buttermilk for tender chicken
- Let coating rest before frying
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Keep oil at steady heat
- Use thermometer for safety
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken hot and fresh. It tastes great with soft buns. Add pickles and spicy mayo. You can also serve it plain with dips. This chicken works well for parties. It also fits family dinners perfectly.
Best Sides To Serve With
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Mashed potatoes
- Biscuits
- Corn on the cob
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken in airtight container. Keep in fridge for two days. Reheat in oven for crisp texture. Avoid microwave if possible. Oven keeps chicken crunchy. Always reheat fully before eating.
Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts – 800 grams
- Buttermilk – 2 cups
- Hot sauce – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- Paprika – 2 teaspoons
- Cayenne pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons
- Oil for frying – as needed
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken in bowl. Add buttermilk and hot sauce. Mix well. Cover and rest one hour.
Prepare the Coating
- Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in bowl.
Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade. Shake off excess liquid. Coat well in seasoned flour mixture.
Rest the Chicken
- Place coated chicken on rack. Let it rest ten minutes. This helps coating stick better.
Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in pan to medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the Chicken
- Add chicken pieces carefully. Fry until golden brown. Turn pieces to cook evenly.
Check Doneness
- Cook until inside reaches safe temperature. Meat should be juicy and fully cooked.
Drain the Chicken
- Remove chicken from oil. Place on paper towels. Let extra oil drain off.
Serve Hot
- Serve chicken hot and crispy. Enjoy fresh crunch and spicy flavor.
Notes
- Use buttermilk for tender chicken
- Let coating rest before frying
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Keep oil at steady heat
- Use thermometer for safety
FAQs about Popeye’s Spicy Chicken
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking works but texture changes. Bake at high heat. Spray oil on chicken for crisp surface.
How to make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken less spicy?
Reduce cayenne and hot sauce. You still get great flavor without strong heat.
Are the ingredients for Popeye’s Spicy Chicken easy to find?
Yes, all ingredients are common. You can find them easily in local grocery stores.
Can I use chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, wings work well. Adjust frying time. Smaller pieces cook faster and crisp nicely.
How to make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken extra crispy?
Add cornstarch to flour. Let coated chicken rest before frying. Keep oil temperature steady.
Conclusion
This Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Recipe is crispy, juicy and full of flavor. The steps are simple and clear.
Now you know how to make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken at home. The ingredients are easy and affordable.
This recipe brings fast food taste to your kitchen. Try it once and you will crave it again. Homemade fried chicken always feels special and fun.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
