1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix together the salt, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the buttermilk and whisk until well combined.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with all the breading spices: salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, white pepper, onion powder, thyme, basil, and oregano. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. For extra crunch, you can dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.
4. Let It Rest:
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better to the chicken during frying.
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep it crispy.
6. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Popeye’s copycat fried chicken hot and crispy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Resting the Breaded Chicken: Allowing the breaded chicken to rest before frying helps the coating stick to the chicken, resulting in a crispier exterior.
With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of Popeye’s fried chicken from the comfort of your home. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.