These Copycat Popeyes Spicy Chicken sandwiches were a big hit in my house last night!! I don’t think any of my kids have even tried the real version and I don’t think they care. They would be perfectly happy with the ones we ate last night for dinner. I made two different versions one just like the Popeyes, and the other one I added bacon and pepperjack cheese. I also made a garlic Cajun sauce to go on top, and I have to admit they were seriously delicious!!

Why you will love this recipe-

This meal is definitely kid friendly, they are not that spicy, and I will even add more spice next time I make them to give it more kick because we like spicy food in this house.
A great twist on a restaurant favorite but these Copycat Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwiches are less expensive to make at home especially when you have a big family.
The garlic Cajun sauce levels this sandwich up and is delicious!

Ingredients you will need-

oil for frying
8-10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons paprika

Coating–

3 cups flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons peppper

Garli Cajun Sauce–

1 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, grated or minced very small
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon of honey

How to make-

Step 1. First, you want to make the marinade for the chicken by combining buttermilk with the chicken thighs, hot sauce, salt. garlic powder, and paprika. marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Overnight for best results.

Step 2. Second make the garlic sauce by combining mayonnaise, grated garlic, Cajun seasoning. paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and black pepper. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 3. After that get your breading ready by mixing the flour with the cornstarch and seasonings. When ready take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Start by taking a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk mixture, dip it in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and again back into the flour mixture. Shake off and lay on a pan to let the breading set a little bit.

Step 4. Get your oil heated to 350 degrees and fry chicken a couple of pieces at a time 5-6 minutes on each side. Place on rack and let sit at least 5 minutes before placing on bun.

Step 5. Lastly butter your buns and fry in pan until lightly golden. Add the chicken, sliced pickles, and sauce. Enjoy!

Tips-

For my other version, melt pepperjack cheese on top of chicken, then add a couple of slices of cooked bacon, pickles, and the Garlic Cajun sauce.
For the chicken thighs you can also pound them slightly to make a little thinner and more even.
If you want it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper to the breading mixture. My family can handle a lot of spice, and these were not that spicy for us. So, next time I will be adding more.

Storage-

The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Heat up in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
The Garlic Cajun sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.