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Get your copycat recipe game on and try your hand at this DIY popeyes chicken sandwich. This dish starts with perfectly marinated, juicy chicken breasts that are then coated and fried to a golden brown. Serve the chicken on a brioche bun, with spicy mayo and pickles for a sandwich you’re not soon to forget.
I’m pretty certain you’ve heard about this debate going around on whether Chick-fil-a or Popeyes has the better spicy chicken sandwich. Both have similar qualities and are quite delicious. However, Popeyes kind of stole my heart and ended up being my favorite go-to choice. When it comes down to it, I would love to have either one, but if I can choose, Popeyes every time. It’s precisely why I decided to create this DIY Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
In general, I’m pretty obsessed with chicken sandwiches and making my own versions. I’ve got my Crispy Chicken Sliders, Shredded Chicken Sandwiches, and BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich. Of course, those are the only ones I have listed on my site. That list doesn’t include all the other sandwiches I make on a consistent basis using chicken. Yes, I’m obsessed, but you will be too once you make this copycat recipe!
How To Make
- Marinate the chicken – In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the buttermilk, salt, chili powder, onion powder, and granulated garlic. Add the chicken to the bowl and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Make the spicy mayo – In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the mayo, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Set aside.
- Prep the chicken – Add the flour, baking powder, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to a dish and mix well. Coat the chicken and shake the excess flour off.
- Fry the chicken – Heat some oil and coat the chicken one more time right before frying for 4 minutes on each side. Let cool on a rack for 5 minutes.
- Plate the chicken – Place the chicken on a brioche bun, add the spicy may, and some pickles. Enjoy!
Tips For The Perfect Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
- Use other buns – You don’t have to use the brioche buns if you don’t prefer it. Any bun will do the trick, although it won’t perfectly match the original Popeyes sandwich.
- Add more condiments or toppings – The sandwich doesn’t come with a ton added to it. However, If you like more toppings or condiments, have at it! I like adding tomato, lettuce, and BBQ sauce sometimes. Whatever you’re feeling, although it might not match the exact version of the sandwich.
- Be sure the chicken is done – When cooking the chicken for 4 minutes on each side, this will vary with the thickness of your chicken. So, it’s always best to have a meat thermometer on hand. You want the internal temperature to reach at least 165 degrees.
- Let the oil heat up – Don’t just plop the chicken in oil that hasn’t fully heated up yet. Wait for the oil to reach about 350 degrees before adding the chicken. This way, your chicken will be juicy and crispy, not sloppy.
- To make it extra spicy, add 1 tbsp of sriracha to the mayo.
Why Is Popeyes Chicken Sandwich So Popular?
It may not have gotten as popular as it did without the rivalry it posed with its release. Chick-fil-a was and is known for its crispy chicken sandwich. In fact, it was seen as the best you could possibly buy in fast food. However, Popeyes came along and released this banger of a sandwich and everyone swooned. Of course, each person has their own opinion on which option is better. It’s split pretty evenly between the two options.
Is Popeyes Better Than Chick Fil A?
This is all based on personal preferences. Popeyes seems to have a much crispier breading on their crispy chicken choices. However, both Chick-fil-a and Popeyes are the biggest contenders for having the best flavor, hands down, when it comes to the fast-food chicken game. It’s important to note that both places offer very different options as far as meals are concerned. This might sway certain opinions.
Storage
- Fridge – Store the spicy mayo, bun, and chicken separate from each other, using a sealed container. Will last for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months (ingredients still separated).
- Reheating – Reheat using the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
More Sandwiches You’ll Love…
You can also find other delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook.
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Buttermilk Brine
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
Flour Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Spicy Mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
To Assemble
- 2 brioche buns
- 4 pickles
Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder, granulated garlic, and onion powder. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayo, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Add the flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to a dish. Mix well.
- Coat the chicken on each side with the seasoned flour. Make sure to coat well. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet to 350 degrees F. Right before frying the chicken, coat the chicken in the remaining seasoned flour on both sides. Make sure to coat the chicken well on both sides. Fry the chicken for 4 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.
- Once the chicken is done frying, let it rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Serve on toasted brioche buns with spicy mayo and pickles.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is so bomb!