Food lovers, brace yourselves! Popeyes has done it again, teaming up with Tequila Don Julio to bring an irresistible twist to fast food. If you thought Popeyes’ fried chicken couldn’t get any better, their Popeyes x Tequila Don Julio Reposado Flavored Concha Roll Chicken Sandwich and Louisiana Garlic 3-Piece Wings will prove you wrong. This bold collaboration blends the flavors of premium tequila with Popeyes’ signature Southern-style cooking, creating a unique culinary experience that’s both indulgent and unexpected.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes this collaboration so special, explore the flavors behind these exclusive menu items, and even break down how you can recreate a similar taste at home. Let’s get started!
What is Popeyes Don Julio?
Popeyes’ latest limited-time offering pairs the brand’s famous fried chicken with the distinct, smooth taste of Tequila Don Julio Reposado. This collaboration isn’t about adding alcohol to food—it’s about infusing the rich, oaky undertones of reposado tequila into Popeyes’ crispy, flavorful chicken.
The Highlights:
Popeyes x Tequila Don Julio Reposado Flavored Concha Roll Chicken Sandwich – A crispy chicken fillet, lightly infused with tequila-inspired flavors, served on a sweet concha roll.
Popeyes x Tequila Don Julio Reposado Flavored Louisiana Garlic 3-Piece Wings – Juicy, garlic-butter-coated wings with a hint of reposado warmth.
The Essence of Popeyes Don Julio
Popeyes is no stranger to bold flavors, but this partnership takes things to another level. The concha roll, a sweet Mexican pastry, adds a surprising contrast to the crispy chicken sandwich, creating a balance of salty, savory, and sweet. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Garlic Wings bring a zesty, aromatic depth, making them a perfect choice for garlic lovers.
Why This Combo Works:
- Southern Soul Meets Mexican Heritage – Popeyes’ deep-fried mastery meets Don Julio’s iconic tequila for a cross-cultural culinary experience.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection – The concha roll’s buttery softness enhances the crunch of the fried chicken.
- Garlic Butter & Tequila Magic – The reposado-infused wings provide a bold yet balanced punch of heat and umami.
Crafting the Perfect Popeyes Don Julio-Inspired Recipe at Home
Want to bring these flavors to your own kitchen? Here’s a simple guide to recreating the experience.
Homemade Popeyes-Style Chicken with a Tequila Twist
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 sweet concha rolls (or brioche buns)
- 1 tbsp honey butter
For the Tequila-Laced Louisiana Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp tequila (optional for depth of flavor)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken – Combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Soak the chicken for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
- Prepare the Coating – Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Fry to Perfection – Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – Melt butter, sauté garlic, and mix in honey, lime juice, and a touch of tequila.
- Assemble – Spread honey butter on the concha roll, add crispy chicken, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
Expert Tips for Success
- Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness – Coat the chicken twice for a thicker, crunchier texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic – It enhances the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Let the Chicken Rest – Allow fried chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving for better juiciness.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak – It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Popeyes Don Julio-Inspired Chicken
Equipment
- Frying pan
- mixing bowls
- thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 sweet concha rolls or brioche buns
- 1 tbsp honey butter
- For the Tequila-Laced Louisiana Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp tequila optional for depth of flavor
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – Combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Soak the chicken for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results).
- Prepare the Coating – Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Fry to Perfection – Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – Melt butter, sauté garlic, and mix in honey, lime juice, and a touch of tequila.
- Assemble – Spread honey butter on the concha roll, add crispy chicken, and drizzle with garlic sauce.
Notes
- Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness – Coat the chicken twice for a thicker, crunchier texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic – It enhances the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Let the Chicken Rest – Allow fried chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving for better juiciness.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak – It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Looking to elevate your homemade Popeyes Don Julio experience? Pair your meal with:
- Spicy Margarita – A classic tequila-based drink complements the flavors perfectly.
- Crispy Cajun Fries – A side of seasoned fries balances the richness of the sandwich.
- Mexican Street Corn – The smoky, cheesy flavors of elote match well with garlic-infused wings.
Storage Information
- Room Temperature: Best eaten fresh but can be kept warm for up to 1 hour.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze fried chicken separately for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 750 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Sodium | 1200mg |
FAQ
No, the tequila flavor is infused without actual alcohol content.
These items are available for a limited time at select Popeyes locations.
Absolutely! You can substitute tequila with apple cider vinegar for a similar tang.
Use an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
Yes, they’re available at most Mexican bakeries, or you can substitute them with brioche buns.
Conclusion
The Popeyes x Don Julio collaboration is a game-changer, combining sweet, savory, and bold flavors into one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re grabbing it from Popeyes or making it at home, this fusion is worth experiencing. Ready to give it a try? Let us know how it turns out in the comments below!