Growing Up Eating Popeyes Fried Chicken

How did Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen become my favorite fried chicken? When I was a kid, we usually had fried chicken from the Colonel. It was mostly a proximity thing.

His nearest restaurant was less than a mile from my childhood home. I wanted to eat Popeyes, but mostly cause I was a fan of Popeye, the Sailor Man cartoon, and thought this was his restaurant.

Popeyes ad - Miami Herald 3-28-82
Popeyes Miami Herald Ad 3-28-82

My parents and grandparents thought that Popeyes chicken was spicy, and they weren’t having any of that. I would finally get my hands on Popeyes in my late teens, and I haven’t looked back since.

The funny thing is now my parents prefer Popeyes too. My wife, dad, sister, and I always order the spicy chicken, while my mom likes to stick to the mild.

Popeyes Sides

The fried chicken and chicken tenders (get that Mardi Gras Mustard dipping sauce!) are killer, but so are the sides.

There is just no way I’m eating at Popeyes and not getting those delicious mashed potatoes with gravy, Cajun fries, and buttery biscuits.

Popeye's Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Popeye's Cajun Fries
Cajun Fries
Popeye's Biscuits
Popeye‘s Biscuits

For dessert, get one of their fried pies. Always look for a seasonal pie. They’re so good.

There are still no Popeyes near me. It’s a bit of a drive to get to one, but I’ve never regretted it, and I don’t think I ever will.

However, I did want to give a shout-out to my favorite Popeyes location. I’ve been coming here for years, and everything is always on point. Check them out if you’re ever in the neighborhood.

Popeyes
1501 NW 20th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 325-8286

Website – https://www.popeyes.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/popeyes
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Popeyes

Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Thursday 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Friday 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Popeyes Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popeye's Fried Chicken Sandwich
Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich

In May 2019, I was traveling on a book signing tour. When I was in Atlanta, I spotted a Popeyes location advertising a fried chicken sandwich.

We were just a few days away from getting back to Miami, so I figured I’d try it then, WRONG! To my surprise, it was not available nationwide yet, and I had just missed the opportunity to try it early.

I was ready for its Miami debut, and it did not disappoint. The fried chicken sandwich from Popeyes might be a recent addition, but it’s an important one. Its release caused a tidal wave of chicken sandwich cravings that they are still riding, and rightfully so.

There are two versions: spicy and regular. Both are excellent, but the spicy is just a notch above because it includes a spicy Cajun spread. Popeyes changed the game with their chicken sandwich.

Does Popeyes have a Secret Menu?

There is a rumored Popeyes Secret Menu, but that’s all there is to it. I mean, sure, there are those great blackened chicken tenders that are highly addictive.

There’s no unofficial secret menu to speak of, and I’m not counting the hacks where you create your own new dish. But, there is one thing you might not know about, Cajun Sparkle.

What is Popeyes Cajun Sparkle?

Popeyes Cajun Sparkle
Popeyes Cajun Sparkle

Cajun Sparkle is a New Orleans-style packet of spices. It will elevate your chicken to the next level. I mean, is that even possible, considering how great it already is?

Popeyes has a Cajun-Style Turkey for Thanksgiving?

Popeyes Cajun Style Thanksgiving Turkey
Popeyes Cajun Style Thanksgiving Turkey

Have you tried the Popeyes Cajun-style turkey for Thanksgiving? I have a few times, in fact. The best part is that it comes frozen and fully cooked. All you need to do is pop it in the oven to heat, and then it’s time to eat!

6 thoughts on “Growing Up Eating Popeyes Fried Chicken”

  1. I have always love the Cajun rice they no longer serve it so I no longer go to Popeyes it’s to much like KFCs sides now such a bummer brings how I used to order at Popeyes about 3 times a week chicken and Cajun rice please bring it back or I’ll just stay at Bojangles that serves the rice thanks

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  2. I miss the onion rings from Popeyes! I grew up eating those and they were so good. Popeyes was like 45 minutes away but we always ordered it when visiting Sarasota in the 1990’s…

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