Copycat Popeyes Chicken Fries Recipe

9

What if I told you that you don’t need to wait in the fast-food drive-thru to enjoy these Popeyes Chicken Fries? That’s right—with the right ingredients and a little time, you can whip up your batch of Popeyes-style Chicken Fries right in the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Popeyes Chicken Fries

Popeyes Chicken Fries are a distinctive menu item that transforms the classic chicken tender into a fry-like shape: long, slender strips of breaded and fried chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into thin strips or fry-sized shapes)

For the Buttermilk Brine:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, but adds a nice kick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (helps make them extra crispy)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough to fill a heavy-bottomed pot about 2-3 inches deep)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (resembling the shape of fries). Ensure they are even in size for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Brine

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness).

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

1. In a large shallow dish or bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
2. Set up a breading station with this dry mix.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with vegetable oil or peanut oil (2 to 3 inches deep).
2. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk brine, letting any excess drip off.
2. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, you can double-dip: return the breaded chicken to the buttermilk briefly and coat it in the flour mixture again.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

1. Fry the breaded chicken strips in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
2. Cook each batch for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve your Popeyes-style chicken fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, BBQ sauce, or Popeyes-style Sweet Heat sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Skip the Brine! The buttermilk brine tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, so don’t skip it! The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken fries will be.
• Keep It Crispy: After frying, place the chicken fries in a warm oven (200°F/95°C) on a wire rack if you’re making them in large batches. This will help keep them warm and crispy.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to maintain an even oil temperature of 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is cooked through; if it’s too cool, the fries will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Double the Crunch: For an extra crispy coating, consider double-dipping the chicken by placing it back in the buttermilk and flour for a second coating.
• Customize the Spice Levels: Love heat? Add more cayenne to the breading or hot sauce to the buttermilk. Prefer it mild? Reduce the cayenne and paprika to suit your palate.

What to serve with

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making homemade Popeyes Chicken Fries, it’s time to think about what goes well with these crispy, flavorful bites.

1. Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces are essential! They add extra layers of flavor and let you customize each bite. Here are some suggestions:

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy, classic dip that balances the spiciness of the Popeyes Chicken Fries.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy, BBQ sauce complements the rich, crispy coating.
• Sweet Heat Sauce: Inspired by Popeyes, this blend of sweet and spicy is a fan-favorite. You can make your own by mixing honey, hot sauce, and a splash of vinegar.
• Buffalo Sauce: For those who love a fiery kick, this is a great option to turn up the heat.
• Honey Mustard: A mix of sweet and tangy flavors, it pairs beautifully with crispy chicken.
• Cajun Mayo: Stir Cajun seasoning into mayonnaise or add a splash of hot sauce for an easy, flavorful dip.

2. Classic Southern Sides

Since Popeyes is synonymous with Southern cooking, these classic sides make perfect pairings:

• Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are a signature side at Popeyes. Recreate this fluffy favorite at home or buy pre-made biscuits for convenience.
• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes topped with spiced gravy are a comforting pairing.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and a touch of tanginess to offset the heaviness of fried chicken.
• Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread serves as a delicious complement to your Popeyes Chicken Fries.
• Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy side dish that adds richness to the Popeyes Chicken Fries. Make it extra special with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients Substitutes

There are plenty of ingredient substitutions you can use to make Popeyes Chicken Fries. Below, I’ll provide detailed options for swapping out various ingredients while still ensuring a delicious and crispy end result.

1. Chicken

If you don’t have chicken breast or prefer a different protein, here are some substitutes:

• Chicken Thighs: These are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips similar to Popeyes Chicken Fries.
• Ground Chicken: For a unique approach, shape seasoned ground chicken into fry-sized sticks, coat, and fry. This will give you a meatier bite.
• Turkey Breast or Thighs: Similar to chicken, turkey can also be sliced into strips and used as a substitute.
• Plant-Based Alternatives: For a vegetarian version, use store-bought plant-based chicken substitutes (like Gardein or Beyond Meat strips). You can also shape firm tofu or seitan into strips and use them in place of chicken.

2. Buttermilk (for the brine)

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick, but if you don’t have it on hand, try these alternatives:

• Milk + Lemon Juice/Vinegar: Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle, and it’s ready to use as a buttermilk replacement.
• Plain Yogurt + Water: Mix equal parts of plain yogurt and water (or milk) to create a buttermilk substitute. This will provide the same tangy flavor.
• Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice: For a dairy-free option, add lemon juice to unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for a similar consistency.

3. Flour (for breading)

All-purpose flour is typically used for breading, but you can substitute it with the following options:

• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Ensure it’s suitable for frying.
• Rice Flour: This is an excellent gluten-free option that creates a super crispy coating.
• Cornmeal: For extra crunch, you can replace some or all of the flour with finely ground cornmeal.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These low-carb options are great alternatives for those following a keto or paleo diet, though the texture will vary.

4. Cornstarch (for crispiness)

Cornstarch in the breading creates a lighter, crunchier coating, but here are some substitutes:

• Potato Starch: Works just as well as cornstarch and gives a similarly crispy result.
• Arrowroot Powder: A great gluten-free, paleo-friendly substitute for cornstarch.
• Tapioca Starch: Suitable for those avoiding grains, tapioca starch can replace cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Cajun Seasoning (in the breading)

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning or prefer a homemade touch, here’s what you can use:

• Homemade Cajun Blend: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt to create your own Cajun seasoning. Adjust the cayenne for the desired level of heat.
• Old Bay Seasoning: While not the same as Cajun seasoning, it has a bold, savory flavor that works well with fried chicken.
• Chili Powder + Italian Herbs: If you don’t have all the Cajun spices, a mix of chili powder and a touch of Italian herbs can give a similar balance.

6. Eggs (for breading adhesion)

Some versions of the recipe use eggs in the breading process to help the coating stick. If you’re avoiding eggs, here are a few substitutes:

• Buttermilk Only: Skip the eggs entirely and rely on the buttermilk soak for adhesion—it works well on its own.
• Flaxseed Mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to create an egg substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can mimic the binding properties of eggs. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg.

7. Frying Oil

Vegetable oil or peanut oil is commonly used for deep frying, but here are other options:

• Canola Oil: Another neutral oil that works well for frying.
• Sunflower Oil: Has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, ideal for deep frying.
• Avocado Oil: A healthier option with a high smoke point, though it’s more expensive.
• Coconut Oil: For a tropical twist, use refined coconut oil, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

8. Cayenne Pepper (for heat)

Cayenne pepper is a key ingredient in the breading mix, but if you’re out or prefer a different heat source, try these substitutes:

• Chili Powder: Provides a milder heat and adds a touch of smokiness.
• Smoked Paprika: While not spicy, it delivers a subtle smoky kick. Combine with chili powder for a close substitute.
• Hot Sauce: Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce to your buttermilk brine for heat.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Use these for an added punch of spice. Crush them finer if you prefer an even coating in the breading.

9. Dipping Sauces

Don’t have store-bought sauces on hand? Here are homemade alternatives:

• Ranch Substitute: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dried dill, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar to make a quick homemade ranch.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: Mix ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for a simple homemade BBQ sauce.
• Honey Mustard Substitute: Mix equal parts of honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet dip.
• Sweet Heat Sauce: Combine honey, hot sauce, and a bit of apple cider vinegar for a homemade version of Popeyes-style Sweet Heat sauce.

10. Gluten-Free and Keto Breading Options

For those following specific diets, the breading can be adapted:

• Gluten-Free: Use a mix of gluten-free flour and cornstarch or rice flour for the coating.
• Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and use coconut flour sparingly.

Final Thoughts

Your homemade Popeyes Chicken Fries are ready to enjoy. Perfectly seasoned, super crispy, and oh-so-delicious, these chicken fries are great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).

More Popeyes Recipes:

• Copycat Popeyes Signature Sauce Recipe