Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe – Crispy & Fiery at Home!

When Popeyes launched their spicy chicken sandwich, it caused an internet frenzy—and for good reason. The shatteringly crispy coating, juicy marinated chicken, and spicy mayo all nestled on a toasted brioche bun? Pure perfection. This Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe brings that crispy, crave-worthy magic into your own kitchen without the line (or the sold-out sign).

🔥 Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic flavor with a crispy, crunchy exterior
• Spicy marinade delivers bold heat
• Homemade spicy mayo = fast food flavor at home
• More affordable and customizable than takeout

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Spicy Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s or Louisiana)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

For Serving:

• 4 brioche buns
• Dill pickle slices
• Butter for toasting buns

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Butterfly the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally for thinner, bun-sized cutlets. Pound lightly if needed for even thickness.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt. Add chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for max flavor).
3. Prepare Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings.
4. Double Dredge: Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in seasoned flour. Dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again in flour for extra crunch.
5. Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. Toast Buns: Butter and toast the inside of brioche buns on a skillet until golden.
7. Assemble: Spread spicy mayo on both buns, add pickle slices, and top with crispy chicken.

💡 Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• Use cornstarch in your breading mix—it helps deliver that signature crunch.
• Double dip the chicken in flour and buttermilk for a thicker coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry one or two pieces at a time for best results.

📦 Storage Tips

Store leftover fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Assemble sandwiches just before serving for best texture.

📌 Why You’ll Skip the Drive-Thru

Making this sandwich at home not only saves money, but lets you control the heat level, ingredients, and toppings. Add cheese, slaw, or keep it classic. Either way, this Popeyes copycat sandwich is spicy, satisfying, and totally worth the effort.

📖 More Drive-Thru Favorites at Home

Love fast food recipes? Try our Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Burger King Whopper, or the viral Crunchwrap Supreme Copycat next!

🌶️ Recreating the Sandwich That Broke the Internet

The Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich didn’t just trend—it exploded. The crispy breading, juicy interior, spicy kick, and buttery brioche bun created a sandwich so good, it had people waiting in line for hours. Now, you can skip the chaos and make it yourself. This Popeyes chicken sandwich copycat recipe captures everything fans love, right down to the crunch.

Unlike many other fast food chicken sandwiches, Popeyes gets it right with a double-dip dredging technique and cornstarch in the breading, which gives that thick, craggy crust. The buttermilk marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with flavor before it even hits the hot oil. And let’s not forget that spicy mayo—it’s bold, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

💰 Save Money, Eat Better

Ordering this sandwich from Popeyes will run you about $5 each, not including tax or a drink. Making four at home? You can do it for under $12, and you probably already have half the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, you’re in full control of the quality—no additives, no mystery oils, and no soggy buns.

Planning a party or feeding a crowd? This recipe scales beautifully. You can double or triple the batch, keep the chicken warm in the oven, and let guests build their own sandwiches with pickles, slaw, or extra sauces.

🍔 Customization Ideas

While this recipe is built to mimic the spicy version, it’s endlessly customizable. Want it milder? Skip the cayenne and use regular mayo. Want it even hotter? Add sriracha to the mayo or a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce to the marinade. Want extra crunch? Mix panko into the second flour dredge.

You can also turn it into a deluxe sandwich by adding lettuce, tomato, or pepper jack cheese. Or swap the chicken breast for a thigh for extra richness. And if you’re air frying or baking instead of deep frying, just lightly mist the breaded chicken with oil before cooking.

👩‍🍳 Kitchen Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally.
• Let breaded chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
• Use a wire rack for draining instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.

📣 Share Your Sandwich Creation

Did you master the Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich at home? Snap a pic and tag @SinfulRecipes on Instagram with #SpicyChickenCopycat. We love seeing how you customize and serve these crispy creations!

📚 Keep the Copycats Coming

Love this recipe? Check out more fast-food favorites on our Copycat Recipes hub. From Chick-fil-A to Taco Bell, we’re making your favorite drive-thru meals more affordable, more delicious, and made fresh at home!