Copycat Popeyes Blackened Ranch Recipe | Better Than Original

That first taste of Popeyes Blackened Ranch creates an instant craving that’s hard to satisfy. I discovered this addictive sauce during a road trip and found myself going back just for the sauce. This isn’t your ordinary ranch – it’s an elevated experience that transforms ordinary meals into crave-worthy dishes. The perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and just a touch of heat makes it ideal for everything from chicken tenders to burger toppings. While you can find it in some stores, this homemade version costs less, tastes fresher, and can be adjusted to your exact spice preference.

Copycat Popeyes blackened ranch in a mason jar.

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What makes Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce so good? 

Are you a Popeyes Blacken Ranch addict? Well, then, you can now purchase the fast-food chain’s popular sauce in the supermarket. However, it can be challenging to find in many places, and online prices can be exorbitant. But did you know that you can also make it a home for a fraction of the cost? And don’t tell anyone, but this Blackened Ranch Popeyes copycat recipe tastes even better than the original! 

For those of you who have never tried the Blackened Ranch Popeyes serves, you don’t know what you are missing. Popeyes’ version takes the everyday creamy and slightly sweet recipe, then tweaks it with a boatload of seasonings and a hint of spice. The result is a lovely and smoky ranch that will give your taste buds a little kick. It’s sure to become your new favorite for its taste and versatility. Check out the section below for some cool ideas about how you can use this ranch in your kitchen. 

Popeyes Blackened Ranch Dressing ingredients and why you need them 

For preparing this blackened ranch recipe, you’ll need:

  • Dried parsley – adds a mildly bitter note to the sauce.
  • Dried dill – gives the sauce a bit of herbivorous tang. 
  • Dried chives  – provide a slightly onion-y flavor to the sa
  • Onion powder – gives the sauce a more intense onion flavor.
  • Garlic powder – lends a mellow, earthy, savory taste to the ranch.
  • Salt – heightens the flavor profile of the sauce.
  • Ground black pepper – contributes mild heat and a distinct taste. 
  • Smoked paprika – adds a ton of smokiness to the recipe. 
  • Cayenne pepper – brings the majority of the heat.
  • Buttermilk powder – adds the tang of buttermilk without thinning the sauce. 
  • Apple cider vinegar – increases the level of acidity to make the ranch more cravable. 
  • Mayonnaise – tempers the heat and acidity with creaminess. 
  • Buttermilk – thins out the sauce while adding a tang. 
Copycat Popeyes blackened ranch ingredients in bowls.

How to Make Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce

To prepare the Blackened Ranch Popeyes serve:

  1. Combine all the ingredients except for the buttermilk in a medium-sized bowl. 
  2. Stir or whisk well to combine. 
  3. While stirring, slowly pour the buttermilk into the bowl until you reach your preferred consistency. 
  4. Transfer the sauce mixture to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using it, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer you keep the ranch, the more intense the flavors will become. 
Making copycat Popeyes blackened ranch.

Different ways to use Popeyes Blackened Ranch 

This ranch is perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, crispy chicken tenders, and even chicken wings, but it is so much more versatile than that. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do with this ranch; please add your favorites to the comment section below. 

  • Sandwich and burger spread. Use this spicy ranch in place of mayonnaise on your burgers and sandwiches. It goes particularly well on roast beef and turkey sandwiches. 
  • Fried seafood dip. Kids will gobble up fish sticks dipped in Popeyes Ranch. The sauce’s smoky heat makes it a good substitute for traditional cocktail sauce. Try serving it with boiled or fried shrimp. 
  • Vegetable dip. This ranch dressing adds a burst of flavor to your vegetables. Carrot sticks, celery sticks, blanched broccoli, and cauliflower will all taste better after a dunk or two in this sauce. 
  • Pasta salad sauce. This recipe makes an excellent base for a pasta salad. Add some cubed, cooked chicken, chopped carrots, diced onions, and fresh herbs for a quick and easy warm-weather meal.
  • Marinade base. To add a burst of flavor to your recipes, coat raw pork or chicken in Blackened Ranch and refrigerate the meat for a few hours to marinate. Wipe off the excess and cook as usual. 
Copycat Popeyes blackened ranch in a mason jar and a spoon next to it.

Storing Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce

Always keep Popeyes Blackened Ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Throw away any leftover ranch sauce. 

How long will it last?

The sauce will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. 

Copycat Popeyes blackened ranch sauce in a glass jar.
Copycat Popeyes blackened ranch in a mason jar.

Homemade Popeyes Blackened Ranch Sauce (Better Than Original)

Creamy, smoky homemade Popeyes Blackened Ranch with the perfect kick of heat – costs less than the restaurant version and tastes even better.
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Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 28
Calories: 60kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
  • Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg

More Popeyes copycat recipes

Favorite sauces and dressings

Check out my easy recipes for dips and sauces and homemade salad dressings here on CopyKat.

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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