Indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade Popeye’s Spicy Chicken with this finger-licking recipe. Crispy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious, it’s perfect for satisfying your cravings right at home.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup hot red pepper sauce (e.g., Louisiana Hot Sauce)
- 4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 quart buttermilk (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
- Peanut oil, for frying
How To Make Popeye’s Spicy Chicken Recipe:
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cut-up chicken in a large bowl and cover it with buttermilk. If time permits, cover and chill for two hours or overnight (optional, but enhances flavor and moisture).
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, combine eggs, water, and red pepper sauce. Whisk until well combined.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a large gallon freezer bag, mix flour, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat Chicken: If marinated, remove chicken from the buttermilk. Sprinkle chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place all chicken pieces in the freezer bag with the flour mixture. Shake until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Dip and Coat: Remove chicken pieces one at a time, shaking off excess flour. Dip each piece in the egg mixture, then return it to the bag of flour. After all pieces have been dipped in the egg mixture and returned to the bag, shake again to coat chicken pieces evenly.
- Fry Chicken: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350°F. Working in batches, drop each piece of chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally if the oil does not completely cover the chicken. Dark meat chicken may take longer to cook than white meat, so monitor cooking times accordingly.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chicken can be used for this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed, as boneless chicken may cook faster than bone-in pieces.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this homemade Popeye’s Spicy Chicken recipe is a must-try for spicy food lovers. With its crispy coating and fiery flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality spicy chicken right in your own kitchen!