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Copycat Popeyes Fried Chicken: Best 5-Day Meal Prep

  • Author: maria_scott
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A homemade copycat recipe for Popeyes fried chicken featuring a buttermilk brine and double-dredge technique for a thick, shaggy, crispy crust that stays juicy and holds up perfectly for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for brine)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for flour)
  • 4–6 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
  2. Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, beaten eggs, and 1 tablespoon salt.
  3. Pour buttermilk mixture over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, black pepper, thyme, and 1 tablespoon salt.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
  7. Let chicken rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes to allow flour to hydrate.
  8. Dip chicken back into buttermilk briefly, then dredge in flour again for a second coat.
  9. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd.
  10. Fry drumsticks and thighs for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Fry breasts for 10-12 minutes.
  11. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is deep golden brown.
  12. Remove chicken and place on a wire rack to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a healthier option, bake at 400°F for 45-50 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. To keep the crust crispy when storing, reheat in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave. The chicken holds up well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (thigh)
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: Popeyes chicken, fried chicken, meal prep, copycat recipe, southern fried chicken, crispy chicken, buttermilk brine, double dredge

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Find it online: https://foodestic.com/copycat-popeyes-fried-chicken-best-5-day-meal-prep/