Name: DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved and pounded evenly; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying; 2–4 brioche buns; 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns); Dill pickle slices; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1–2 tsp hot sauce; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat

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This DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor—just like the famous fast-food version, but even better because I make it at home. It features perfectly seasoned and fried chicken, buttery brioche buns, tangy pickles, and a creamy spicy mayo that brings everything together in one irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sandwich nails the crunchy coating and juicy interior of classic fried chicken while letting me control the spice and ingredients. It’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers that satisfying crunch without the drive-thru. The spicy mayo adds the perfect kick, and the soft brioche buns make each bite feel indulgent and comforting. DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved and pounded slightly for even thickness)
Buttermilk
Hot sauce (optional for marinade)
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sandwich:

Brioche buns
Butter (for toasting buns)
Dill pickle slices

For the spicy mayo:

Mayonnaise
Hot sauce
Paprika
Garlic powder
Optional: cayenne for extra heat

Directions

I marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour (or overnight if I plan ahead). This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
In a shallow bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, and all the seasonings to create the crispy coating.
I remove the chicken from the marinade, let the excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it in to form a thick crust.
I heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F, then carefully fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through—usually 5–6 minutes per side.
I transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.
While the chicken rests, I stir together the spicy mayo ingredients in a small bowl.
I butter and toast the brioche buns in a skillet until golden.
To assemble, I spread spicy mayo on both sides of the bun, layer in the crispy chicken and dill pickle slices, then top it off with the bun.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–4 sandwiches (depending on how I cut the chicken) and takes about 45 minutes total, including marinating (not counting overnight if I do that step ahead).

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. I’ve also added lettuce or coleslaw for crunch, or cheese if I want it extra indulgent. For a baked version, I use the air fryer or oven and spray the chicken with oil to get it crispy. And for a milder version, I skip the hot sauce and cayenne in both the marinade and mayo.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I toast fresh buns before assembling. I keep the spicy mayo in the fridge for up to a week. DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich

FAQs

What makes this similar to Popeyes’ sandwich?

The key is the thick, craggy breading from the buttermilk soak and seasoned flour, along with the soft brioche bun and tangy mayo. It’s all about texture and spice.

Can I use pre-made mayo or sauce?

Yes, but I like making my own spicy mayo so I can adjust the heat and flavor. It’s super easy and only takes a minute.

Is it okay to shallow fry the chicken?

Yes, I’ve done this in about ½ inch of oil, flipping the chicken halfway. It still gets crispy as long as I don’t overcrowd the pan.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

I recommend frying the chicken fresh, but I sometimes prep the mayo and buns ahead. The chicken can be breaded in advance and refrigerated until I’m ready to fry.

What’s the best bun to use?

Brioche buns are soft and buttery, just like the original sandwich. I toast them in butter for that signature texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is crispy, juicy, and packed with all the bold, crave-worthy flavor I love. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect when I want a fast-food-style treat made fresh in my own kitchen. Once I tried it at home, I never looked back—it’s that good.