Los Pollos Hermanos Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving that iconic Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken flavor from your favorite show? This copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken recipe brings the Albuquerque magic straight to your kitchen!

Featuring a signature ABQ spice blend with cumin, lime zest, and chile powder, plus a tequila-infused batter that creates an incredibly crispy crust, this homemade version rivals any fast-food chain.

Whether you’re hosting a Breaking Bad marathon or simply want restaurant-quality fried chicken, this brined-to-perfection recipe delivers juicy meat encased in a shatteringly crisp coating. Get ready to cook like Gustavo Fring himself minus the drama, of course!

What Does Los Pollos Hermanos Fried Chicken Taste Like?

This copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken offers a complex, Southwest-inspired flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional Southern fried chicken. The cumin and chile powder provide earthy warmth with a subtle kick, while lime zest adds bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness.

The tequila in the batter contributes a unique depth without overwhelming alcohol flavor. Each bite delivers exceptional crunch from the cornstarch-flour coating, followed by incredibly juicy, well-seasoned meat thanks to the overnight brine.

The achiote powder lends a gorgeous golden-orange hue and mild peppery undertone. It’s savory, slightly spicy, perfectly balanced, and undeniably addictive truly “los pollos” excellence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the ABQ Spice Blend:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons powdered chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• ½ tablespoon dried red chile powder or flakes
• 1 teaspoon achiote or annatto powder

For the Brine:

• ½ cup salt
• 2 quarts hot water
• 1 whole chicken, cut into parts, or about 3½ pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken parts

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup gold tequila
• 1½ cups water
• 1 egg

For Frying:

• 2 quarts vegetable, canola, or peanut oil

Essential Kitchen Utensils

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large container for brining
• Paper towels
• Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Candy or deep-fry thermometer
• Wire cooling rack
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Microplane or zester (for lime zest)

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Brining Time: 4-10 hours
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (depending on batch size)
Total Time: 5-11 hours
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ABQ Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, lime zest, chile powder, and achiote powder. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed. Set aside 1 tablespoon of this spice blend in a separate container for the final seasoning. Divide the remaining spice mixture into two equal portions.

Step 2: Make the Brine
In a large bowl or container, dissolve the salt in 2 quarts of hot water. Add one portion of the divided spice blend to the brine and stir well. Let this aromatic brine mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and the salt to fully dissolve.

Step 3: Brine the Chicken
Submerge all chicken pieces completely in the brine, ensuring every part is covered. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though 8-10 hours yields optimal juiciness and flavor penetration. This brining process is crucial for that signature Los Pollos Hermanos moisture.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken for Frying
Remove the brined chicken from the refrigerator. Pat each piece thoroughly dry with paper towels this step is essential for achieving maximum crispiness. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while you prepare the oil and batter.

Step 5: Heat the Frying Oil
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven nearly halfway with your chosen oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut work beautifully). Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 375°F. Maintaining proper temperature is critical for crispy, non-greasy fried chicken.

Step 6: Prepare the Tequila Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, tequila, water, egg, and the second portion of the spice blend. Whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter-thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip.

Step 7: Batter and Fry the Chicken
Working in batches of 2-3 pieces, dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring complete coverage. Lift the chicken and let excess batter drip back into the bowl. Carefully lower each piece into the hot oil, being cautious to avoid splashing. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this drops the oil temperature.

Step 8: Monitor Cooking Times and Temperature
Fry the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, using an instant-read thermometer to check. Thighs and drumsticks require 12-14 minutes, breasts need 10-12 minutes, and wings cook fastest at 6-8 minutes. Throughout frying, maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F by adjusting the heat as needed.

Step 9: Drain and Season
Once each piece reaches a beautiful golden-brown color and the proper internal temperature, carefully remove it from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain this keeps the bottom crispy instead of soggy. Immediately sprinkle with the reserved tablespoon of spice blend while the chicken is still hot.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the crust to set perfectly. Serve your copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken hot and crispy for the ultimate homemade fast-food experience!

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Spice Level Variations
Adjust the heat to your preference by modifying the chile powder amount. For mild Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken, reduce the chile to 1 teaspoon or use sweet paprika instead. Heat lovers can double the chile powder or add cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can even offer different spice levels at serving by preparing multiple seasoning blends.

2. Classic Side Pairings
Serve your fried chicken alongside traditional Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttermilk biscuits, mac and cheese, or crispy french fries. The cooling effect of coleslaw perfectly balances the spiced chicken, while starchy sides soak up those delicious flavors. Add pickled jalapeños or dill pickles for acidic contrast.

3. Southwest-Inspired Accompaniments
Lean into the ABQ theme with Mexican street corn (elote), cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or fresh pico de gallo. These pairings complement the cumin and lime notes in the spice blend. A side of warm flour tortillas transforms your chicken into incredible tacos or burritos.

4. Sandwich and Wrap Creations
Transform your copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken into a gourmet sandwich. Place a crispy breast on a toasted brioche bun with chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pepper jack cheese. For a lighter option, wrap sliced chicken in a large flour tortilla with avocado, black beans, and cilantro-lime crema.

5. Dipping Sauce Selection
Elevate the experience with complementary dipping sauces. Try chipotle ranch, honey-lime aioli, creamy jalapeño sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo. A simple mixture of sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro makes an excellent cooling dip. Don’t forget classic options like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for traditionalists.

6. Waffle and Chicken Combo
Create a Southwest twist on chicken and waffles by serving your fried chicken atop cornmeal waffles drizzled with jalapeño honey or maple-chipotle syrup. This sweet-savory-spicy combination offers restaurant-quality brunch vibes that’ll impress any guest.

7. Salad Topping Option
For a lighter meal, slice the fried chicken and serve it over mixed greens with tortilla strips, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Dress with cilantro-lime vinaigrette for a satisfying Southwestern-style chicken salad that maintains all the crispy, flavorful goodness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Los Pollos Hermanos Fried Chicken

1. Don’t Skip the Brining Process
Brining is the secret to juicy Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken that stays moist even after frying. The saltwater solution breaks down muscle proteins, allowing the chicken to retain moisture during high-heat cooking. For best results, brine for the full 10 hours. If you’re short on time, even 4 hours makes a significant difference compared to unbrined chicken.

2. Completely Dry the Chicken Before Battering
Moisture is the enemy of crispy coating. After removing chicken from the brine, pat every piece completely dry with paper towels. Any remaining water prevents the batter from adhering properly and creates steam during frying, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked coating. Take your time with this step it’s absolutely worth it.

3. Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature
Temperature fluctuation is the most common fried chicken mistake. Too hot (above 375°F) burns the exterior before the interior cooks; too cool (below 325°F) creates greasy, soggy chicken. Invest in a reliable candy or deep-fry thermometer and adjust heat between batches. Allow oil to return to 375°F before adding the next batch.

4. Use Fresh Lime Zest for Maximum Flavor
While dried lime peel is available, fresh lime zest provides vibrant, aromatic oils that dried versions simply can’t match. Use a microplane to zest the lime before juicing it you’ll use that juice elsewhere! The fresh citrus notes are a signature element of this copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken recipe, so don’t substitute with bottled lime juice or omit it entirely.

5. The Tequila Isn’t Just for Show
Gold tequila in the batter serves multiple purposes beyond flavor. Alcohol evaporates faster than water during frying, creating tiny air pockets that make the crust lighter and crispier. The tequila also adds subtle agave sweetness and complexity. Don’t worry about alcohol content it cooks off completely. If you must substitute, use beer or sparkling water, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

6. Batch Frying Prevents Temperature Crashes
Resist the temptation to fry all your chicken at once. Adding too many cold pieces drops the oil temperature dramatically, resulting in greasy, undercooked chicken. Stick to 2-3 pieces per batch, depending on your pot size. Yes, it takes longer, but the crispy, golden results are worth every minute. Keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven if needed.

7. Double-Check Internal Temperature
Visual cues aren’t enough use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of each piece, avoiding bone contact. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F, but pulling it at 160°F (for carryover cooking) prevents dryness while ensuring safety. Dark meat (thighs, drumsticks) can handle slightly higher temperatures (up to 175°F) and actually benefits from it, becoming more tender.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and warmed through this restores the crust’s crunch far better than microwaving, which makes it soggy.

Common Queries and FAQs

Q: Can I make Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken without tequila?

A: Yes! While tequila adds unique flavor and helps create a crispier crust, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beer, club soda, or simply use more water. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still achieve delicious results. Beer provides similar frying benefits due to its carbonation and alcohol content.

Q: What makes this a copycat Los Pollos Hermanos recipe?

A: This recipe recreates the signature Southwest-inspired flavor profile featuring cumin, lime, chile powder, and achiote spices that give the fictional restaurant’s chicken its distinctive taste. The brining method and tequila batter are inspired by authentic New Mexican cooking techniques, capturing that Albuquerque essence that makes Los Pollos Hermanos special.

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?

A: While you can use boneless, skinless pieces, the results won’t be quite as authentic. The skin provides additional fat that bastes the meat during frying, while bones add flavor and help regulate cooking temperature. If using boneless, skinless chicken, reduce frying time to 8-10 minutes for breasts and 10-12 minutes for thighs to prevent overcooking.

Q: Is it necessary to brine the chicken overnight?

A: Brining significantly improves moisture retention and flavor penetration, making it highly recommended rather than optional. The minimum 4-hour brine provides noticeable improvement, but 8-10 hours yields optimal results. If you’re truly pressed for time, even a 2-hour brine is better than none, though the chicken won’t be quite as juicy.

Q: Can I air fry this Los Pollos Hermanos chicken recipe?

A: You can adapt this recipe for air frying, though the texture will differ from deep-fried chicken. After battering, spray the chicken with cooking oil and air fry at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t achieve the same shatteringly crisp texture as deep frying, but it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor.

Q: What can I substitute for achiote powder?

A: Achiote (annatto) provides earthy flavor and distinctive orange-red color. If unavailable, substitute with an equal amount of paprika or turmeric for color, though the flavor will be slightly different. Paprika adds sweetness and mild pepper notes, while turmeric brings earthiness. The chicken will still be delicious even without this ingredient.

Q: How do I prevent the batter from falling off during frying?

A: Proper batter adhesion requires three key steps: thoroughly drying the chicken after brining, ensuring your batter isn’t too thin (it should coat thickly), and maintaining proper oil temperature (375°F). Also, avoid moving the chicken too much once it’s in the oil let it fry undisturbed for the first 2-3 minutes to allow the crust to set properly.

This copycat Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality, Southwest-inspired flavor to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques.

The combination of aromatic ABQ spices, overnight brining, and tequila-enhanced batter creates fried chicken that’s crispy outside, juicy inside, and absolutely unforgettable.

Whether you’re a Breaking Bad superfan or simply appreciate exceptional fried chicken, this recipe delivers authentic Albuquerque flair without the criminal enterprise.

Fire up that fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to taste what all the buzz is about pollos perfection awaits!

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