Southern Style Cajun Popcorn Shrimp and Chicken
Experience the irresistibly crispy and flavorful delight of Southern Style Cajun Popcorn Shrimp and Chicken. This copycat recipe brings the taste of Popeye's right to your kitchen, featuring tender shrimp and juicy chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned batter. Infused with a blend of Louisiana-style herbs and spices, this dish is perfect for a satisfying snack, appetizer, or main course. You have the option to customize the spice level to suit your taste—double the cayenne for a fiery kick or add Cajun seasoning for that authentic southern flavor. Serve these crispy morsels straight from the fryer for a crunchy texture and rich flavor that's sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peeled shrimp
1/2 lb (peeled and deveined)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Vegetable oil or olive oil
6 cups (for frying)
All-purpose flour
2/3 cup (sifted)
Salt
1 tablespoon
White pepper
2 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Paprika
2 teaspoons
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the vegetable or olive oil in a deep fryer or a deep cast-iron skillet until it reaches 350 degrees F. Use a digital thermometer to ensure precise temperature control.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and optional Cajun seasoning. Stir well until all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4
Take each piece of shrimp and chicken, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat generously with the prepared flour mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly covered.
5
Carefully drop the coated shrimp and chicken into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 15 to 25 minutes, or until they achieve a dark golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through, and the shrimp should be tender.
6
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and chicken from the oil, and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Cajun Popcorn Shrimp and Chicken?
It is a crispy, flavorful dish inspired by Popeye's, featuring tender shrimp and juicy chicken pieces coated in a seasoned batter.
What restaurant inspired this copycat recipe?
This recipe is designed to bring the taste of Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen right to your home.
What proteins are used in this recipe?
The dish uses a combination of 1/2 lb of peeled shrimp and two boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a 'popcorn' style texture.
What is the best way to prepare the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before starting the battering process.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil or olive oil are recommended for deep frying this recipe.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You will need approximately 6 cups of oil for a deep fryer or deep cast-iron skillet.
At what temperature should the oil be heated?
The oil should reach 350 degrees F before adding the shrimp and chicken.
How can I ensure the oil is at the correct temperature?
Use a digital thermometer for precise temperature control throughout the frying process.
What dry ingredients make up the seasoning blend?
The blend consists of all-purpose flour, salt, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
Is the Cajun seasoning mandatory?
No, the Cajun seasoning is optional and can be added based on your flavor preference.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can double the amount of cayenne pepper for a more fiery kick.
What is the purpose of the white pepper in this recipe?
White pepper contributes to the authentic Louisiana-style herb and spice profile of the coating.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe calls for three eggs.
What is the first step of the coating process?
Dip each piece of shrimp and chicken into the beaten egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
What is the second step of the coating process?
After the egg dip, coat the pieces generously with the seasoned flour mixture until thoroughly covered.
Should I fry everything at once?
No, you should work in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which helps maintain oil temperature.
How long does it take to fry the shrimp and chicken?
Fry the pieces for 15 to 25 minutes until they are a dark golden brown.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be cooked through to the center and the exterior should be a dark golden brown color.
What texture should the shrimp have?
The shrimp should be tender on the inside with a crunchy exterior.
How should I remove the food from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked pieces from the hot oil.
How do I remove excess oil from the finished food?
Drain the fried morsels on a plate lined with paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil.
Can I use a cast-iron skillet for this recipe?
Yes, a deep cast-iron skillet is a perfect alternative to a deep fryer for this recipe.
Is the flour sifted for this recipe?
Yes, the 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour should be sifted before mixing with spices.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it warm with your favorite dipping sauces for the best experience.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is perfect as a satisfying snack, appetizer, or a main course.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include popcorn shrimp, popcorn chicken, Cajun recipe, fried food, and Southern cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
Does this recipe include seafood?
Yes, the recipe features shrimp as a primary component alongside chicken.
What is the main flavor profile?
The dish features a blend of Louisiana-style herbs and spices for an authentic Southern flavor.