Fried chicken is a classic comfort food. This Publix Fried Chicken Recipe lets you enjoy crispy, juicy chicken at home. Learning how to make Publix Fried Chicken is easier than you think.
With a few simple ingredients for Publix Fried Chicken, you can recreate the restaurant-style flavor. This recipe gives a crunchy outside and tender, juicy meat inside.
Perfect for dinner, parties or family gatherings. Homemade Publix-style fried chicken is healthier than fast food. It’s fun to cook and impresses everyone.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Recipe
The secret to perfect Publix fried chicken is in the seasoning and technique. Marinating chicken in buttermilk makes it tender. The coating of flour, spices, and cornstarch creates a crispy crust.
Frying at the right oil temperature ensures juicy meat without burning. Resting chicken after frying lets it stay moist inside. Fresh ingredients and proper timing make the difference.
Using a mix of garlic powder, paprika and black pepper gives authentic Publix flavor. Following these steps gives fried chicken with the perfect crunch and golden color every time.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Publix Fried Chicken Recipe
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 20 mins (plus 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Plate with paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Publix Fried Chicken Recipe
- 4–6 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Clean chicken pieces and pat dry. Place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper lightly. - Marinate in Buttermilk
Pour buttermilk over chicken. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours for tender, juicy meat. - Mix Dry Coating
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and cayenne. - Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. - Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a frying pan until 1–2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). - Fry the Chicken
Carefully add chicken pieces to hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. - Cook Until Golden
Fry chicken for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally. Ensure the crust is golden brown. - Check Internal Temperature
Use a thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside for safety. - Drain Excess Oil
Remove chicken with tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. - Serve Warm
Let cool 5 minutes. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw or biscuits.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Tip 1: Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Tip 2: Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking chicken.
- Tip 3: Marinate overnight for even more flavor.
- Variation 1: Add smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for extra kick.
- Variation 2: Use drumsticks and wings for a variety of textures.
- Variation 3: Brush fried chicken with honey or hot sauce for a sweet-spicy glaze.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Publix-style fried chicken with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob or green beans. Biscuits or coleslaw are perfect accompaniments. Pair with sweet tea or lemonade for a Southern-style meal. Ideal for dinner parties, family meals or picnic gatherings. Warm it slightly for leftovers.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. Chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.+
Publix Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 –6 chicken pieces thighs, drumsticks, or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Clean chicken pieces and pat dry. Place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper lightly.
Marinate in Buttermilk
- Pour buttermilk over chicken. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours for tender, juicy meat.
Mix Dry Coating
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and cayenne.
Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into a frying pan until 1–2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add chicken pieces to hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding.
Cook Until Golden
- Fry chicken for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally. Ensure the crust is golden brown.
Check Internal Temperature
- Use a thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside for safety.
Drain Excess Oil
- Remove chicken with tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve Warm
- Let cool 5 minutes. Serve hot with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw or biscuits.
Notes
- Tip 1: Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Tip 2: Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking chicken.
- Tip 3: Marinate overnight for even more flavor.
- Variation 1: Add smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for extra kick.
- Variation 2: Use drumsticks and wings for a variety of textures.
- Variation 3: Brush fried chicken with honey or hot sauce for a sweet-spicy glaze.
FAQs about Publix Fried Chicken Recipe
Q1: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. Spray lightly with oil for crispiness.
Q2: Can I use skinless chicken?
Yes, but the skin adds extra crispiness and flavor. Consider extra flour coating for skinless pieces.
Q3: How spicy is this fried chicken?
It is mildly spicy. Add more cayenne or paprika to suit your taste for a spicier version.
Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Yes, bake instead of frying or use an air fryer for less oil and similar crunch.
Q5: Can I prepare the chicken ahead?
Yes, marinate chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours in the fridge. Coat and fry when ready.
Conclusion
This Publix Fried Chicken Recipe is crispy, juicy and perfect for home cooking. Learning how to make Publix Fried Chicken is simple with easy-to-follow steps.
Using fresh ingredients for Publix Fried Chicken, anyone can recreate restaurant-style fried chicken. The combination of buttermilk marinade, seasoned coating and proper frying makes this dish irresistible.
Serve with classic sides for a full meal experience. Impress family and friends with golden, crunchy, flavorful chicken right at home.
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