Popeyes-Style Roasted Chicken Thighs
An Amy Alarcon's recipe. This Popeyes-Style Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe delivers crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat, marinated in buttermilk, hot sauce, and Creole spices. Perfectly oven-roasted, it’s a flavorful take on a beloved fast-food classic, but made easy at home.
$12–$18 depending on chicken and pantry staples
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: – For preparing marinade.
- Gallon-Size Freezer Bag – To marinate the chicken thoroughly.
- Wire Rack & Baking Sheet – For roasting and ensuring crispy skin.
- Meat Thermometer – To confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
- Cooking Spray – To prevent sticking and aid crisping.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 3 tbsps Crystal Hot Sauce
- 1 tbsp Tony Chachere's Creole Spice plus extra for sprinkling
- 8 chicken thighs skin-on and bone-in
- olive oil pan spray
Instructions
To Marinate:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 tbsp of the seasoning. Put into a gallon-size freezer bag and then add in the chicken thighs. Squeeze out the excess air and seal tightly.
- Massage the bag for a minute to ensure that the chicken gets thoroughly coated with the marinade.
- Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for a minimum of 12 hours, preferably overnight.
To Make:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Take out a sheet pan or a baking sheet and place a wire rack on top. Spray with a cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully drain the chicken thighs in a colander and shake to remove any excess marinade. Place on a wire rack, skin side up, and allow to sit for about 15 minutes to help the skin dry out a bit. Lightly sprinkle more of the Creole seasoning on the skin just to add a little bit more flavor and color. Using a good quality olive oil spray, lightly coat the surface of the chicken skin, this will aid in crisping.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Some oven are temperamental, so always use a thermometer to make sure you cook the chicken to a minimum of 165°F, and 170°F for bone-in chicken. The skin should be medium brown and crispy at this point too.
Notes
Customizations:
- Extra Crispy: Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Spicy Version: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Different Cuts: Works with drumsticks or wings—adjust cooking time.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Serving Tips:
- Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a full meal.
- Serve with extra hot sauce for authentic Popeyes-style flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even roasting and crispy skin.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 292mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 162IUCalcium: 61mgIron: 1mg
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