POPEYES, Fried Chicken, Mild, Skin and Breading
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
Popeyes Mild Fried Chicken features juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading seasoned with a mild, savory blend of herbs and spices. The skin and breading provide a satisfying crunch, giving way to tender meat. At 433 kcal per 100g, it's a calorie-dense source of protein and fat, with minimal fiber or sugar.
Calorie split: 13% protein · 20% carbs · 67% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the iconic, shatteringly crispy breading and the juicy, flavorful chicken beneath, which delivers a deeply satisfying savory experience. Its versatility as a standalone meal, sandwich filling, or addition to salads and tacos makes it a cultural staple in American fast food.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat, calorie, and sodium content can be problematic for those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. The refined carbohydrates in the breading may cause blood sugar spikes. To counteract this, pair a portion with a large, fiber-rich side salad or steamed vegetables, and be mindful of portion size.
Key benefits
- Provides a substantial amount of protein (13.96g per 100g) for muscle maintenance.
- Delivers a quick, energy-dense source of calories from fat and carbohydrates.
- The mild seasoning profile makes it accessible for a wide range of palates.
- A familiar, comforting food that can be part of a social or celebratory meal.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Popeyes was originally named 'Chicken on the Run' when it opened in 1972; the founder changed it to 'Popeyes' after the character Popeye Doyle from the film 'The French Connection'.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 29.6 g |
| Energy | 433 kcal |
| Energy | 1811 kj |
| Protein | 14.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 32.3 g |
| Ash | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 20.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 26.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 119 mg |
| Potassium, K | 192 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 769 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.67 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.24 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 22.6 ug |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.28 mg |
| Niacin | 5.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.74 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.38 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 25.0 ug |
| Retinol | 25.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 84.0 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.20 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.14 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.05 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.13 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 11.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.62 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 7.0 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.26 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.7 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 14.2 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.17 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 1.3 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.15 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 12.3 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 11.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.14 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 2.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 1.1 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.08 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 1.0 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.12 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.13 g |
| Cholesterol | 82.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.11 g |
| Threonine | 0.46 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.41 g |
| Leucine | 0.85 g |
| Lysine | 0.61 g |
| Methionine | 0.20 g |
| Cystine | 0.16 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.53 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.43 g |
| Valine | 0.51 g |
| Arginine | 0.79 g |
| Histidine | 0.33 g |
| Alanine | 0.80 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.95 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.3 g |
| Glycine | 1.2 g |
| Proline | 1.1 g |
| Serine | 0.54 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.32 g |
FAQ
Is Popeyes mild chicken spicy?
No, the 'Mild' variety is seasoned with a savory herb and spice blend that is not intentionally spicy or hot, unlike their 'Spicy' option.
What is the breading made of?
The exact recipe is proprietary, but it typically consists of a seasoned flour mixture, often with buttermilk or a similar liquid for adhesion, creating the signature crispy crust.
Can I reheat it to keep it crispy?
For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving will make the breading soggy.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.33 kcal/g · 13% calories from protein · 1.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 4.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.