In my kitchen, I’m all about recreating those delectable fast-food favorites with a personal touch, and this time, I’m taking on the delightfully daring challenge of whipping up homemade versions of Popeyes Pickle Sandwich.
Table of Contents
How to make Popeyes Pickle Sandwich
This Popeyes Pickle Sandwich features Popeyes’ signature crispy, hand-battered chicken breast fillet coated in a tangy pickle-flavored glaze. It’s topped with thick-cut pickles and served on a toasted brioche bun, delivering a bold, briny twist on the classic chicken sandwich.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper as an alternative)
- Salt to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pickle Glaze:
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken, if necessary)
Additional:
- Thick-cut dill pickles
- Brioche buns, toasted
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Mayo or sauce of your choice
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. In a bowl, mix buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: Combine all the breading ingredients in a large bowl. Ensure each piece of marinated chicken is thoroughly coated with this mixture. Shake off excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes each side. Let them rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Prepare the Pickle Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together pickle juice, honey, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. If the glaze is too runny, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken. Brush this glaze generously over the fried chicken pieces.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the glazed chicken on the toasted brioche buns. Add thick-cut pickles on top. Spread mayo or your preferred sauce on the bun tops before closing the sandwich.
Tips for the Perfect Popeyes Pickle Sandwich:
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
- Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a constant temperature ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
- Resting Time: Allowing the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels helps it stay crispy.
- Glaze Application: Applying the pickle glaze while the chicken is hot helps it adhere better, enriching the flavor profile.
What to serve with
Pairing the right side dishes with your Popeyes Pickle Sandwich can elevate the meal to new heights, marrying flavors and textures for a truly satisfying dining experience.
Classic Sides
Cajun Fries:
Description: Thinly sliced potatoes, tossed with a blend of Cajun spices, and fried until golden.
Preparation Tip: Bake the seasoned fries for a healthier option, tossing them halfway through cooking for an even crisp.
Coleslaw:
Description: A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy mayo-based dressing, finished with a touch of vinegar and sugar for balance.
Preparation Tip: Make the coleslaw a couple of hours ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors develop beautifully as it sits.
Creative Twists
Fried Pickles:
Description: Pickle slices coated in a seasoned beer batter and deep-fried until crispy. They double down on the pickle flavor of the sandwich.
Preparation Tip: Serve with a creamy ranch or spicy remoulade dipping sauce on the side to complement the tanginess of the pickles.
Sweet Potato Fries:
Description: Thick-cut sweet potato fries, baked or fried, and seasoned with a touch of cinnamon and salt for a sweet-salty kick.
Preparation Tip: To ensure crispiness, don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer – this allows each fry to cook evenly.
Lighter Options
Zesty Quinoa Salad:
Description: A vibrant mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and avocado tossed in a lime-cilantro dressing.
Preparation Tip: Add a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick that complements the sandwich’s flavors.
Cucumber Salad:
Description: Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a light vinaigrette seasoned with dill to echo the pickle theme.
Preparation Tip: Use a mandoline for uniformly thin cucumber slices which absorb the dressing better.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Popeyes Pickle Sandwich allows for customization according to taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
For the Chicken
Original Ingredient: Chicken Breast
Substitutes:
For Vegetarians/Vegans: Use a firm tofu, tempeh, or a store-bought plant-based chicken patty. Press tofu to remove excess water, slice to desired thickness, and marinate before breading to mimic the texture and flavor.
Gluten Sensitivity: Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of traditional flour for breading.
For the Breading
Original Ingredient: All-purpose Flour and Breadcrumbs
Substitutes:
Gluten-Free Option: A mixture of rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can provide a similar crunch without the gluten.
Low-Carb/Keto Option: Almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese offers a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that browns nicely when fried or baked.
For the Batter
Original Ingredient: Eggs and Buttermilk
Substitutes:
Vegan Option: Combine flaxseed meal with water to create a “flax egg,” and use plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
Lactose-Free Option: Lactose-free milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar works well as a buttermilk substitute.
For the Pickles
Original Ingredient: Dill Pickles
Substitutes:
For a Sweeter Twist: Use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter contrast to the savory chicken.
For Health Conscious: Opt for low sodium or homemade pickles to control the salt content.
For the Sauce
Original Ingredient: Mayonnaise-Based Sauce
Substitutes:
Vegan Mayo: A multitude of plant-based mayos are available that can serve as a one-to-one substitute.
Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier sauce, Greek yogurt mixed with your choice of spices can replace mayo.
For the Bun
Original Ingredient: Brioche Bun
Substitutes:
Gluten-Free Option: Many brands offer gluten-free buns that closely mimic the texture and flavor of traditional bread.
Whole Wheat Bun: For a healthier, fiber-rich option, choose a whole wheat bun.
Final Thoughts
With these steps and tips, you can create an incredibly flavorful and crispy Popeyes Pickle Sandwich at home. It’s a delicious challenge that pays off with each tangy, savory, and crunchy bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pickle Glaze:
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Additional:
- Thick-cut dill pickles
- Brioche buns, toasted
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Mayo or sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. In a bowl, mix buttermilk with paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: Combine all the breading ingredients in a large bowl. Ensure each piece of marinated chicken is thoroughly coated with this mixture. Shake off excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes each side. Let them rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Prepare the Pickle Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together pickle juice, honey, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. If the glaze is too runny, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken. Brush this glaze generously over the fried chicken pieces.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the glazed chicken on the toasted brioche buns. Add thick-cut pickles on top. Spread mayo or your preferred sauce on the bun tops before closing the sandwich.
