Copycat Popeyes Pickle Wings Recipe

The brand, legendary for its crispy, aromatic, and downright addictive chicken, recently decided to throw a tangy curveball into the mix with their limited-time offering: Popeyes Pickle Wings. This bold move has left food enthusiasts, including my spice-loving self, wondering, “Can we recreate this magic at home?”

How to make Popeyes Pickle Wings

Popeyes Pickle Wings is part of the fast-food chain’s limited-time “Pickle Menu,” launched on April 1, 2025. These wings come in both bone-in and boneless options, featuring Popeyes’ signature crispy chicken tossed in a bold, tangy pickle-infused glaze. The glaze delivers a savory heat balanced with briny dill flavors, offering a unique twist for pickle enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust depending on heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (preferably canola or peanut oil)

For the Pickle Glaze:

• 1 cup dill pickle juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water

Instructions:

1. Marinating the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and eggs, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

2. Preparing the Dredge: Place flour in a wide, shallow bowl. Lightly press each piece of chicken into the flour to coat, tapping off any excess. Allow coated chicken to sit on a rack for about 15 minutes—this helps the coating stick better.

3. Frying the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken wings in batches, carefully not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

4. Making the Pickle Glaze: While chicken is frying, combine pickle juice, honey, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Coating the Wings: Toss the fried chicken wings in the pickle glaze until evenly coated. Serve immediately for that perfect crisp-tender bite.

Tips for Perfect Pickle Wings:

• Marination Time: For juicier wings, let them marinate overnight. The acid in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, resulting in a softer texture.
• Fryer Tips: Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F to ensure a golden crust without burning.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry. Start with the recommended measurement and add more if needed, cooking it for a few minutes more to thicken it.
• Serving Suggestion: These wings pair wonderfully with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a refreshing crunch, remember the classic celery and carrot sticks.

What to serve with

Popeyes Pickle Wings, with their tangy and crispy perfection, call for side dishes that complement their bold flavor without overshadowing them. When planning your menu, think about textures and flavors that will enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Creamy Coleslaw:

A classic pairing with fried chicken, coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and a cooling contrast to the tang of the pickle glaze. The creaminess of the slaw balances out the acidity of the Popeyes Pickle Wings.

Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tip: Shred the cabbage and carrots thinly for a delicate texture that’s pleasant to eat.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits:

Soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits are a Southern staple and are excellent for sopping up any extra glaze or as a palate cleanser between spicy Popeyes Pickle Wings.

Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, and buttermilk.

Preparation Tip: Keep all ingredients cold for the flakiest biscuits, especially the butter and buttermilk.

3. Macaroni and Cheese:

A hearty side like mac and cheese can withstand the bold flavors of the wings while providing a comforting creaminess.

Ingredients: Macaroni, cheddar cheese, butter, milk or cream, flour, mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tip: Use a combination of cheeses for extra flavor and creaminess.

4. Cornbread:

This sweet and savory bread is another great Southern accompaniment that can provide a subtle sweetness to contrast the tangy chicken.

Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and butter.

Preparation Tip: For a moist cornbread, don’t overmix the batter.

5. Pickle Spears:

Double down on the pickle flavor by serving extra dill pickle spears on the side. Their crunch and acidity can cut through the richness of the wings.

Preparation Tip: Choose high-quality, crunchy pickles for the best texture.

6. Green Beans Almondine:

A light and healthy option that provides a textural contrast with a bit of crunch from the almonds.

Ingredients: Fresh green beans, sliced almonds, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tip: Blanch the green beans first to keep them crisp-tender.

7. Garlic Parmesan Fries:

This is a favorite side with any kind of wings. The garlic and Parmesan add a savory note that complements the tangy pickle wings.

Ingredients: Potatoes, oil for frying, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tip: Cut the fries evenly and soak them in water to remove excess starch for extra crispiness.

8. Garden Salad:

Add a light and fresh side dish to the meal with a simple garden salad. It can offer a break from the intense flavors and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Ingredients: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onion, and your choice of dressing.

Preparation Tip: Keep the dressing on the side to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

9. Sweet Potato Fries:

If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter side, sweet potato fries are a delicious option. They’ll add a nice color and sweetness to the plate.

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, cornstarch (optional for crispiness), oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparation Tip: Bake instead of frying for a healthier alternative.

10. Baked Beans:

Sweet and smoky baked beans can serve as a comforting, saucy side to the spicy and vinegary bite of the wings.

Ingredients: Navy beans, bacon, onion, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and vinegar.

Preparation Tip: Slow cook the beans for several hours to deepen the flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Popeyes Pickle Wings at home, you may need to find substitutes for some ingredients either due to availability issues or dietary preferences.

1. Chicken Wings:

Substitute: If you’d like to avoid chicken, you can use cauliflower florets to make a vegetarian version. Another alternative is seitan, which can be battered and fried like chicken wings.

2. Pickle Juice:

Substitute: If you don’t have pickle juice, you can mix white vinegar with a small amount of water and add seasonings like dill, garlic powder, and sugar to mimic the flavor profile of pickle brine.

3. Flour (for batter):

Substitute: For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or rice flour. Both provide a crispy texture when fried. Cornstarch can also be a good substitute for achieving crispiness.

4. Eggs (in batter):

Substitute: To bind the batter without eggs, you can use buttermilk or a mixture of milk and vinegar. For a vegan alternative, a flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water can act as a great binder.

5. Buttermilk:

Substitute: Buttermilk can be replaced by mixing milk (dairy or non-dairy) with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles.

6. Hot Sauce:

Substitute: If you don’t have hot sauce, use a blend of cayenne pepper mixed with vinegar or tomato paste, vinegar, and spices to achieve heat and tanginess.

7. Garlic Powder:

Substitute: If garlic powder isn’t available, use fresh minced garlic. As a last resort, onion powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though less intense.

8. Paprika:

Substitute: For a mild taste, use red pepper powder or a mix of oregano and cumin for depth. For the color without the heat, annatto powder is a decent substitute.

9. Vegetable Oil (for frying):

Substitute: Any neutral high-smoke-point oil such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil can be used for frying. They won’t impart strong flavors into the wings.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to great side dishes is balance. Mix textures and flavors to enhance the overall experience without overwhelming the main feature: your delicious Popeyes Pickle Wings.