Copycat Popeyes Chicken Wraps Recipe

There’s something magical about sinking your teeth into a crispy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned Popeyes Chicken Wrap. As someone who absolutely loves recreating my favorite fast-food treats at home, I couldn’t resist diving into the flavors that make these wraps so irresistible.

How to make Popeyes Chicken Wraps

Popeyes Chicken Wraps are a new limited-time offering, bringing the brand’s signature Louisiana flavor into a portable, handheld format.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless chicken tenders (1 lb)
• Buttermilk (1 cup) – for marinating
• All-purpose flour (1 cup) – for coating
• Cornstarch (¼ cup) – for extra crispiness

Seasoning blend:

• Paprika (1 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Onion powder (1 tsp)
• Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, optional for spiciness)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Wraps:

• Large flour tortillas (4–6, depending on serving size)
• Mayonnaise or preferred sauce (2–3 tbsp)
• Shredded lettuce (1 cup)
• Sliced pickles (½ cup) – optional but essential for the signature Popeyes flavor
• Cheese slices (optional – cheddar works great for extra flavor)

For the Spicy or Honey Mustard Variants:

• Hot sauce (for spicy wraps)
• Honey mustard sauce (for a sweet tangy flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and half of the seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture and ensure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining half of the seasoning blend.
2. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and dredge each tender in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

1. Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
2. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (or your chosen sauce) onto the tortilla.
3. Add a layer of shredded lettuce and sliced pickles.
4. Place a crispy chicken tender on top and add a slice of cheese, if desired.
5. For the spicy wrap, drizzle with hot sauce. For the honey mustard variation, add a light drizzle of honey mustard sauce.
6. Wrap tightly, folding the sides in first and then rolling it up.

Tips for Perfect Popeyes Chicken Wraps

• Get the Crispy Coating Right: Adding cornstarch to your flour mixture ensures a crunchy texture similar to Popeyes’ signature fried chicken.
• Customize Flavors: If you want extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning or add more hot sauce to your wrap. For a sweeter option, layer honey mustard generously.
• Toast the Wraps: After assembling, place the wraps on a skillet for 1–2 minutes on each side to warm them through and lightly crisp the tortilla.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a batch of fried chicken tenders ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and assemble fresh wraps whenever hunger strikes!
• Pair with a Side: Serve your wraps with crispy Cajun fries or a refreshing coleslaw to complete the Popeyes-inspired experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Popeyes Chicken Wraps are famous for their crispy, juicy chicken paired with a flavorful wrap. While replicating them, you may need substitutes for some ingredients due to dietary preferences, availability, or personal taste.

1. Chicken

Popeyes typically uses fried chicken tenders for their wraps, but you can substitute based on your preference or need:

Substitutes for Chicken:

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based chicken tenders or alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Marinate these in similar seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, etc.) and prepare them as per the usual recipe.
• Healthier Option: Swap fried chicken tenders with grilled chicken strips or baked chicken. You can use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs marinated with the signature spices for the same flavor profile.

2. Buttermilk (for chicken marinade)

Buttermilk is traditionally used to tenderize the chicken and give it a tangy flavor. If buttermilk isn’t available, you can use:

Substitutes for Buttermilk:

• Milk + Lemon/Vinegar: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle.
• Yogurt: Thin out plain yogurt with water to achieve a buttermilk-like consistency (¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup water).
• Non-Dairy Option: Use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.

3. Flour and Cornstarch (for breading)

The breading for Popeyes chicken typically uses flour and cornstarch to achieve that signature crispy crunch.

Substitutes for Flour and Cornstarch:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a combination of rice flour, almond flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of wheat flour. Cornstarch can remain the same or be substituted with arrowroot powder.
• Low Carb Option: Replace flour and cornstarch with crushed pork rinds, almond meal, or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version.

4. Spices (for breading and marinade)

Popeyes chicken relies on a bold blend of spices, typically including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Substitutes for Spices:

If you are missing some spices:

• Paprika Substitute: Smoked paprika or chili powder can be used for a smoky kick.
• Cayenne Pepper Substitute: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce can mimic the heat of cayenne.
• Salt Substitute: For a low-sodium option, use potassium chloride-based salt substitutes.
• Ready-Made Seasoning Blend: Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, or even taco seasoning can replace the individual seasonings.

5. Tortilla Wrap

Flour tortillas are typically used in Popeyes chicken wraps, but there are several alternatives:

Substitutes for Tortillas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas made from almond flour, cassava flour, or chickpea flour.
• Low-Carb Wraps: Consider lettuce leaves, collard greens, or low-carb tortillas (like those made with spinach or coconut flour).
• Whole Grain Option: Use whole-wheat or sprouted grain tortillas for added nutrition.

6. Sauce

The wraps are typically paired with mayo-based sauces or ranch dressing. If these are unavailable or you prefer a different flavor profile, you can try the following:

Substitutes for Sauce:

• Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt as a base for a tangy, creamy substitute. Mix with garlic powder, lemon juice, and herbs for extra flavor.
• Spicy Substitute: Hot sauce mixed with a small amount of honey or agave syrup can create a sweet-spicy profile.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise or tahini with garlic, lemon, and spices to recreate a similar creamy richness.

7. Pickles

Popeyes wraps often include pickles for a tangy crunch. If pickles are unavailable or disliked, you can substitute them with:

Substitutes for Pickles:

• Cucumbers: Fresh cucumber slices add crunch without the briny tang.
• Kimchi or Sauerkraut: For a fermented, tangy alternative.
• Pickled Onions or Jalapeños: These offer a different flavor dimension but still deliver a pickled note.

Final Thoughts

With these substitutes, you can adapt the Popeyes Chicken Wrap recipe to suit dietary preferences, availability, or health goals without losing the essence of this delicious meal!

More Popeyes Recipes:

• Copycat Popeyes Fried Pickles Recipe