Publix Fried Chicken Recipe | Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 14, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. And if you’re looking for a recipe that will give you that perfect crispy coating and juicy meat, look no further than the famous Publix fried chicken recipe!

In this blog post, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to making Publix-style fried chicken at home with this recipe with your favorite sauce.

So, this recipe will surely be a hit whether you’re having a family dinner or a game-day party.

What is Publix fried chicken?

Publix fried chicken is a type of fried chicken sold at Publix grocery stores in the United States. They typically make it using a recipe that includes deep frying and coating flour, spices, and seasonings, then deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and juicy interior. 

We love this chicken for its delicious taste, and it is a popular choice among customers. It is available in various forms like chicken tender, drumstick, thighs, wings, and breast. It can also be purchased in a cooked or uncooked form.

Want more fried chicken Recipes? Check them out!

• Melba’s Famous Fried Chicken
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• Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried

What does it taste like?

The chefs season the chicken with a blend of spices and seasonings such as salt, chili powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, which gives it a savory and slightly spicy taste. 

The chicken itself is usually well-seasoned and moist. This has no grease overload, unlike many fried chickens.

The deep-frying process creates a crispy golden brown coating that is the signature of Publix fried chicken. 

Many people enjoy the delicious and satisfying taste of Publix fried chicken with their favorite hot sauce as comfort food.

How did I first get introduced to the Publix chicken breading recipe?

I first got introduced to Publix’s fried chicken recipe through a food critic. I came across an article from a food blog discussing the best-fried chicken in the region, and Publix was mentioned as one of the top contenders. 

The food critic praised the crispy coating and juicy meat of the chicken, describing it as some of the best they had ever had. 

I was intrigued and decided to give it a try for myself. I was not disappointed – the chicken was delicious, and I’ve been a fan of it ever since.

How to make The copycat Publix fried chicken?

Making Publix fried chicken at home can be a delicious and satisfying experience. While the recipe for their fried chicken is not publicly available, it is possible to recreate a similar taste and texture using a few key ingredients and techniques. 

Here is a recipe that can be used as a guide to making your own Publix-style fried chicken at home.

Ingredients For publix chicken tender recipe

• 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, legs, breasts, and wings)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying 

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg together and whisk until well combined.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika.

Step 3

Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.

Step 4

Then, transfer the chicken piece to the flour mixture and coat it evenly. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.

Step 5

For the best results, allow the breaded chicken to rest in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 2 hours before cooking.

Step 6

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350 degrees F. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, and fry for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7

Make sure not to overcrowd the pot or fryer; otherwise, the oil temperature will drop. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Step 8

Serve your homemade Publix-style fried chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken. The organic or locally sourced chicken will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Use a frying oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, lard, or vegetable shortening.
• Season your flour mixture well, using salt and pepper and other seasonings that complement chicken, like garlic or onion powder.
• Check the temperature of the oil before frying to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t get soggy or burnt.
• When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan as this will reduce the oil temperature and cause the chicken not to be cooked properly. You can fry chicken in batches.
• Let the chicken rest and cool a bit before serving. Experiment with different dipping sauces and seasonings to suit your taste preference.
• Drain your fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels which will help to keep the crust crisp.
• Try double dipping and double breading the chicken. It will make the extra crust crispy.

Publix fried chicken nutrition Information

This is an overall nutrient value for 1 serving (10 oz) of Publix fried chicken:

• Calories: 510
• Total Fat: 16g (21% of Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (35% of Daily Value)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg (37% of Daily Value)
• Sodium: 505mg (22% of Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g (6% of Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 39g
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Iron
• Potassium: 562mg (12% of Daily Value)

What to serve with Publix fried chicken?

When serving Publix fried chicken, there are many delicious options to choose from. A classic southern-style meal would include a variety of side dishes, salads, breads, and even desserts to round out the meal. Here are some popular choices for pairing with Publix fried chicken.

Sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Salads:
• Caesar salad
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Cucumber and tomato salad

Bread:

• Rolls
• Cornbread
• Biscuits

Desserts:

• Peach cobbler
• Banana pudding
• Chocolate chip cookies

Drinks:

• Sweet tea
• Lemonade
• Beer or wine (for adults)

What time does Publix stop selling fried chicken?

Publix Super Markets prepare their fried chicken fresh throughout the day and may not be available to shoppers until after 10:00 AM. The Publix Deli, where the fried chicken is sold, generally closes around 10:00 PM.

However, it’s important to note that the cook usually stops cooking one hour before the closing time. This means you can likely purchase fried chicken at Publix up until around 9:00 PM. However, availability may vary depending on the specific store and day, so it’s best to check with your local Publix for the most accurate information.

Is Publix fried chicken healthy?

Publix fried chicken is not typically considered a healthy option. While it is a good source of protein, it is also high in sodium and cholesterol. The chicken is double breaded and deep fried, which increases the fat content.

Also, fried foods and oils can be high in trans fats, which are associated with an increased risk of many diseases. One particular review even graded Publix Deli Popcorn Fried Chicken as D due to its high calorie count and potentially problematic ingredients.

However, healthfulness can also depend on portion sizes and individual dietary needs. It’s always best to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Please note that while it might not be the healthiest choice, many people enjoy the taste of Publix fried chicken.

What kind of oil does Publix fry their chicken in?

Publix reportedly fries their chicken in a blend of corn and cottonseed oil, according to the information found on their product listings. This blend is also treated with TBHQ, an antioxidant that extends the shelf life of oils, and citric acid.

Please note that while cottonseed and corn oils are often used in commercial frying due to their high smoke points and neutral taste, they are also high in omega-6 fatty acids. While these are essential fats that your body needs, most people get too much of them in relation to omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and other health problems.

Wrapping Up

Publix fried chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal. It is a great option for a family dinner, a potluck or even a party. It’s easy to make and can be paired with various sides, salads, bread, and desserts.

It’s a classic southern-style meal that will transport you to the land of comfort food. You can also experiment with different flavors and seasonings to make them your own.

If you’ve tried this recipe or have your version of Publix-style fried chicken, we would love to hear about it. 

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. You can also share this recipe on your social media platforms and let your friends and family know about it.

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