Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Ever craved that crispy, juicy flavor of a Popeyes chicken sandwich right at home? Well, the Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich recipe is here to satisfy those cravings! I remember the first time I bit into one of those sandwiches; the crunchy exterior and perfectly seasoned chicken just blew me away. But the idea of heading out to grab one just didn’t sit right with me, especially when I could whip it up in my own kitchen. With this recipe, I can indulge whenever I wish without having to step outside! It’s like having a little piece of Louisiana right in my own home.

What You Need for Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich

When it comes to creating the perfect Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich, the ingredients you choose play a crucial role. Each one brings something special to the table, working harmoniously to create that mouthwatering flavor you crave. From the brine that keeps the chicken succulent to the toasted brioche buns that cradle it all, these ingredients are the stars of this show.

• 1/4 cup kosher salt – Essential for making your brine, this ingredient helps to keep the chicken moist and infuses it with flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – Balances the saltiness in the brine and promotes caramelization when cooking.
• 2 cups water – Acts as the base for your brine, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged for maximum flavor absorption.
• 2 chicken breasts – The star of your sandwich! Choose high-quality chicken for the best results.
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Cajun Seasoning – Adds that signature spicy flavor that makes this sandwich a hit.
• 2 teaspoons softened butter – Used for toasting the buns, ensuring they are golden and crispy.
• 2 brioche buns – Soft and slightly sweet, these buns perfectly complement the savory chicken.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken, providing healthy fats and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the sandwich, balancing the spices of the chicken.
• 1/4 cup sliced dill pickles – A crunchy and tangy addition that brightens up the flavors.

Step by Step Instructions for Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making the Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich. It’s a simple process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps to create this mouthwatering dish at home.

1. The night before you make the sandwiches, start by preparing the brine. In a medium bowl, combine kosher salt, sugar, and water. Stir until everything is completely dissolved. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken moist!
2. Now, place the chicken breasts into a zipper bag or a covered container. Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container and refrigerate for 12 hours. The longer, the better!
3. When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse them under cold water to get rid of any excess salt. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure a nice crust.
4. Take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the meat cook evenly and tenderizes it.
5. Remove the plastic wrap and place the chicken on a plate. Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle the McCormick Cajun Seasoning evenly over each chicken breast, using your fingers to rub the spices into both sides.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. To test if it’s hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface – they should sizzle! This ensures a nice sear on your chicken.
7. While the skillet is heating, spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Place the buns butter-side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Once the buns are toasted, set them aside. In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat for about 30 seconds. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot oil. You should hear a sizzle as they touch the pan, which means you’re on the right track.
9. Without moving the chicken, cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side. Look for the edges to start turning opaque and the bottom to develop a dark crust.
10. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes on the second side. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F and the center is white throughout when cut with a knife.
11. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for about 2 to 3 minutes to keep it juicy.
12. Spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of each bun. On the bottom half, arrange a layer of sliced dill pickles. Place a cooked chicken breast on top and cover it with the top bun. Serve immediately while still warm!

Customization Ideas

There’s so much you can do with the Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich to make it your own. Here are some fun customization ideas to try!

• Spice Levels: Want more heat? Use a spicy mayonnaise or add more Cajun seasoning to the chicken.
• Different Proteins: While this recipe is for chicken, feel free to try it with turkey or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.
• Extra Crunch: Add a handful of shredded lettuce or coleslaw for extra crunch and freshness.
• Alternative Buns: If you’re feeling adventurous, try different types of buns like pretzel buns or whole grain for a unique twist.
• Flavorful Spreads: Experiment with different spreads such as spicy mustard, garlic aioli, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for a flavor boost!
• Accompanying Sides: Serve with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or even chips to complete your meal.

Side Dish Ideas for Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Choosing the right sides to accompany your Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness complements the spicy chicken beautifully, creating a lovely balance.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
• Potato Chips: Classic and simple, a side of crispy chips makes for a laid-back meal.
• Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit and pairs perfectly with the savory sandwich.
• Garden Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten the plate and add some freshness.
• Seasonal Fruits: Consider a fruit salad or slices of watermelon for a refreshing side, especially in warmer months.
• Pickles: Extra pickles on the side can add a zesty crunch that complements the flavors nicely.
• Potato Salad: A classic potato salad can provide a hearty side that fills you up.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines juicy chicken with bold flavors and crispy textures. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that everyone should try at least once! So why not whip this up tonight? You’ll love how easy it is to make and how much everyone enjoys it!

Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich

The ultimate comfort food you've been craving! This Easy Copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich features crispy chicken, bold spices, and a creamy spread. It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner or game day treat that will have everyone coming back for more!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 2 cups Water
• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons McCormick Cajun Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Butter Softened
• 2 pieces Brioche buns
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Sliced dill pickles

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Skillet

Method

 

1. The night before you make the sandwiches, prepare the brine: In a medium bowl, combine the kosher salt, sugar, and water. Stir until completely dissolved. Place the chicken breasts in a zipper bag or covered container and pour the brine over them, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Seal the container and refrigerate for 12 hours.
2. The next day, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
3. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch, starting from the center and working outward.
4. Remove the plastic wrap and place the chicken on a plate. Sprinkle the McCormick Cajun Seasoning evenly over each chicken breast, using your fingers to gently rub the spices into both sides.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. To test if it’s hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface – they should sizzle. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Place the buns butter-side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning. Place the toasted buns on a plate and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil for about 30 seconds. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot oil – you should hear a sizzle when the chicken touches the pan. Without moving the chicken, cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, until the edges begin to turn opaque and the bottom develops a dark crust.
7. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes on the second side. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F and the center appears white throughout when cut with a knife. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of each bun. Arrange a layer of sliced dill pickles on the bottom half of each bun. Place a chicken breast on top of the pickles and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately while still warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the brine – it makes a big difference in keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets before pounding to an even thickness.

If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin, heavy-bottomed pot, or even a canned food item to pound the chicken.

Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to get that nice crust.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.