The Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's features crispy, seasoned fried chicken strips nestled in a soft, toasted French roll, dressed with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise, delivering a satisfying blend of crunchy, juicy, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet/pan
- Spatula
- Toaster or oven
- Spoon or squeeze bottle (for mayo)
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 French rolls (or sub rolls)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken breast strips and helping the flour and cornmeal coating adhere properly, so be sure to soak the chicken for at least an hour. The combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper creates the signature savory and mildly spicy flavor of the crispy chicken. Use fresh iceberg lettuce and ripe tomatoes for the best texture contrast and freshness in your sandwich. Opt for soft, toasted French rolls or sub rolls to complement the crunchy chicken without overpowering the overall bite. Your homemade Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's copycat menu will bring the satisfying blend of crunchy, juicy, and savory flavors right to your table.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken strips in the seasoned flour mixture, coating well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes. Drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Slice French rolls and lightly toast them in a toaster or oven.
- Spread mayonnaise on the inside of both halves of the toasted rolls.
- Layer shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes on the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place fried chicken strips on top of the veggies.
- Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls.
- Serve immediately on a plate or tray.
Substitution
The Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's copycat menu can easily be customized by swapping chicken breast strips with thighs for a juicier texture or using turkey strips if you prefer poultry with a milder flavor. If buttermilk is unavailable, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar works well as a substitute to tenderize the chicken. When deep-frying equipment is not accessible, pan-frying in a heavy skillet with enough oil to partially submerge the chicken strips can yield a similarly crispy result. Your choice of bread can vary; if French rolls are out of stock, soft hoagie or brioche buns provide a great alternative that holds toppings well. Ensure to toast the bread lightly to prevent sogginess from mayonnaise and produce a pleasant contrast with the crunchy chicken.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays at a consistent 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasy chicken. You should marinate the chicken strips for at least 30 minutes in buttermilk to tenderize and add moisture for juicier bites. When coating the chicken, press the seasoned flour-cornmeal mixture firmly to create an even, flavorful crust. Toasting the French rolls just before assembling enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the mayonnaise and vegetables.
Nutritions
The Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's provides a protein-rich meal through its use of 1 lb chicken breast, offering essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The sandwich contains carbohydrates from the French rolls and flour coating, supplying energy, while the mayonnaise contributes fats that aid in vitamin absorption and satiety. Vegetables like shredded iceberg lettuce and ripe tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestive health and immune function. Your meal balances macronutrients but can be high in sodium and calories due to the fried preparation and condiments, so consider portion control if monitoring your intake.
Storage
Keep your Chicken Po' Boy sandwiches refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Store components like lettuce and tomatoes separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. Reheat the fried chicken strips in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the meat.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the French rolls with crusty ciabatta or brioche buns to add a different texture and flavor profile to your Chicken Po' Boy. For a healthier twist, consider baking the seasoned chicken strips on a baking sheet at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying. Swap traditional mayonnaise for a spicy remoulade or garlic aioli to enhance the sandwich's creamy element, complementing the crispy chicken. Adding pickles or jalapenos can introduce a tangy or spicy kick, balancing the savory richness of the sandwich.
Allergies
The Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and French rolls, dairy in the buttermilk and mayonnaise, and eggs possibly present in the mayonnaise as well. Cross-contamination risks may exist due to frying in shared vegetable oil. You should check labels carefully and consult with the restaurant if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or eggs to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Po' Boy from Popeye's Restaurant is beloved for its crispy, seasoned fried chicken nestled in a soft, fresh French bread roll, delivering a perfect balance of crunch and softness. The bold Cajun spices and tangy remoulade sauce create an authentic Southern flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning intensity and freshness, replicating that iconic taste at home. Your culinary skills can shine by recreating this iconic sandwich, offering the satisfaction of enjoying a restaurant favorite anytime.