Copycat Popeyes Fried Chicken

Step 1

Stir together buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of the hot sauce in large bowl. Submerge chicken in buttermilk mixture; cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2

Whisk together eggs, water, and remaining 1 tablespoon hot sauce in a medium bowl. Stir together flour, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl.

Step 3

Pour oil to a depth of 2 1/2 inches in a large Dutch oven, and heat to 325°F over medium-high. Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture; discard buttermilk mixture. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, and dredge in flour mixture; shaking off excess flour. Dip in egg mixture, and dredge in flour again; shaking off excess flour.

Step 4

Carefully add chicken to hot oil, 4 pieces at a time; fry until golden brown and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes, maintaining oil temperature of 325°F. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.