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Popeyes chicken sandwich served with pickles and special sauce

Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Recreate the nostalgic flavors of a perfect Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, featuring crispy fried chicken, creamy mayo, and tangy pickles on sweet brioche buns.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into even sized pieces Using even pieces ensures uniform cooking.
  • 1.5 cups buttermilk Soaks into the chicken to bring out tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a hint of spice.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder For that familiar aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Brings all the flavors together.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper A little heat that complements the rich flavors.

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise The hero of the sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce Adds a kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika For extra flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Extra spice for flavor.

For Breading and Frying

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Base for the coating.
  • 1 cup corn starch For light and crisp texture.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika For extra flavor depth.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder To shine through the batter.
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt Balances the rich crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a pleasant warmth.
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper Balances the other spices.
  • 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying Achieve golden crunch.

For Assembly

  • 8 pieces brioche buns Soft and sweet.
  • to taste Lettuce Crisp freshness.
  • to taste Pickle slices Tangy pop.

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, marinate chicken in buttermilk mixed with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Prepare the Breading

  • In a separate bowl, mix together flour, corn starch, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Fry the Chicken

  • Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the breading mixture and gently lower them into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let them rest to keep the crunch.

Assemble the Sandwich

  • Spread the special mayo on the warm brioche buns, add the crispy chicken, top with lettuce, and finish with pickle slices.

Notes

Best served at casual dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Freeze for up to three months if you have leftovers.
Keyword Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Fried Chicken, Homemade, Popeyes chicken sandwich