DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Craving that iconic crispy chicken sandwich from Popeyes but want to enjoy it fresh and homemade? You’re in the right place! This DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe brings that irresistible crunch, juicy chicken, and flavorful kick straight to your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and served on a soft brioche bun with pickles and a spicy mayo, this sandwich is a game-changer. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this beloved sandwich with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich stands out because it nails the balance between crispy, crunchy, and juicy. The chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk, ensuring a tender bite, while a seasoned flour and cornstarch coating creates that signature crispy crust. The homemade spicy mayo adds the perfect creamy heat, and the brioche buns bring a slight sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Plus, using everyday pantry staples makes this recipe accessible for any home cook. Whether you’re meal prepping or impressing guests, this sandwich delivers on flavor and texture.

Gather These Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking
• 1 cup buttermilk – for tenderizing and marinating the chicken
• 1 teaspoon each paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt – for the marinade seasoning
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – base for the crispy coating
• ½ cup cornstarch – adds extra crispiness to the coating
• 1 tablespoon each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper – spicy seasoning mix for the coating
• 1 teaspoon each salt & pepper – seasoning the coating
• ½ cup mayonnaise – for the spicy mayo sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce – adds a subtle kick to the mayo
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Cajun or taco seasoning – enhances the mayo flavor
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for depth in the mayo
• 4 medium-sized brioche buns – soft and slightly sweet, perfect for sandwiches
• Sliced pickles – classic crunchy and tangy topping
• 3-4 cups canola oil – for frying the chicken until golden and crispy

Hardware & Gadgets

• Heavy skillet or deep frying pan: Ideal for frying the chicken pieces evenly.
• Meat mallet: To pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Mixing bowls: Separate bowls for marinade, flour coating, and spicy mayo.
• Tongs: For safely flipping and removing chicken from hot oil.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
• Wire rack: Allows the chicken to stay crispy after frying by preventing sogginess.
• Thermometer (optional): To monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.

Directions: DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk with 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours. This soak tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.

Step 3: Season the Flour Coating

In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. This spicy, seasoned flour is key to that crunchy, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika (or Cajun or taco seasoning), and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere well. For extra crunch, dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture for a double coating.

Step 6: Heat the Oil and Fry

Pour 3-4 cups canola oil into your skillet or deep pan, heating to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Use tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over paper towels. This helps maintain crispiness by draining excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling.

Step 8: Toast the Buns

Lightly toast the brioche buns in a dry skillet or toaster until golden. This adds flavor and prevents sogginess from the mayo and chicken.

Step 9: Assemble Your Sandwich

Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom bun, then top with several slices of pickles. Crown with the top bun, and your DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is ready to devour!

In-Season Swaps

• Pickles: Swap for bread-and-butter pickles or quick-pickled cucumbers for a sweeter or tangier bite.
• Spicy Mayo: Substitute with chipotle mayo or sriracha mayo for a different heat profile.
• Chicken: Try boneless thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
• Buns: Use potato buns or sandwich rolls if brioche isn’t available.
• Seasoning: Mix in smoked paprika or ground cumin for a smoky twist.

What Not to Do

• Don’t skip marinating the chicken — it’s essential for juicy tenderness and flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the frying pan; this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
• Don’t use buns that are too thick or dense; they can overpower the sandwich and feel heavy.
• Don’t forget to toast the buns — this step prevents sogginess and adds texture.
• Resist the urge to flip the chicken repeatedly; flip once for even cooking and crust formation.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

If you want to freeze, wrap each cooked chicken piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Keep buns separate and add pickles and mayo fresh when assembling to maintain texture and flavor.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I make this sandwich less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture and the hot sauce in the mayo. You can also swap spicy mayo for plain mayo or a honey mustard sauce for a milder flavor.

Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds tang, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk or water and seasoned with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar.

What oil is best for frying?

Canola oil is great due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and distinct taste.

More from the Kitchen

• Buttermilk Fried Chicken – A classic crispy chicken recipe with a tender inside.
• Homemade Brioche Buns – Make your own soft and buttery buns from scratch.
• Spicy Mayo Sauce – A simple and versatile spicy mayo you can use for sandwiches and dips.
• Perfect Fried Chicken Tips – Expert advice on achieving crispy fried chicken every time.

The Last Word

This DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe brings that crave-worthy fast food favorite right into your home kitchen with ease and delicious results. With tender, juicy chicken, a perfectly crispy coating, and a spicy mayo kick, it’s a sandwich that satisfies every time. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or hosting a casual weekend meal, this recipe is sure to be a winner. So gather your ingredients, heat your oil, and get ready to enjoy one of the best homemade chicken sandwiches out there. Happy cooking!

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