If you love crispy, juicy fried chicken just like you get at your favorite supermarket, you’re going to adore this Publix Fried Chicken Recipe. This homemade version brings all the flavor of the famous Publix chicken straight to your kitchen. With a perfect combination of spices, a flavorful brine, and a crispy coating, this recipe guarantees chicken that’s tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Whether it’s for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or a special gathering, this Publix-style fried chicken is always a hit. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this delicious dish.
What is Publix Fried Chicken Recipe?
Publix Fried Chicken is a signature dish from the popular American supermarket chain Publix. Known for its golden, crispy crust and moist, flavorful meat, it’s a favorite among fried chicken enthusiasts. The secret lies in the brining process, a unique blend of spices, and the careful frying technique that seals in all the natural juices.
This recipe replicates that iconic taste using ingredients you can easily find at home. From buttermilk brine to the perfect seasoning dredge, every step is designed to make your chicken irresistibly tasty.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Tender Chicken – Brining in buttermilk keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
- Perfectly Crispy Coating – The spice-infused flour mixture creates a crunchy exterior that stays crunchy even after cooling slightly.
- Customizable Flavors – You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or try different variations.
- Family-Friendly – This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy the taste of Publix fried chicken without leaving your kitchen.
Equipment’s
To make this recipe smoothly, you will need:
- Large Ziplock bag or bowl for brining
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fry pan or deep pot for frying
- Baking sheet or tray to hold dredged chicken
- Food processor (optional, for mixing the dredge)
Ingredients with Amounts
For Brine:
- 2 whole chickens (1000 grams each), cut into 10 pieces per chicken
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 ¼ tbsp salt
For Seasoning Dredge:
- 4 cups King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
- 1 ½ tbsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tbsp ground celery seeds
- 1 ½ tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp annatto powder
- 4 tsp Davis Baking Powder
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brine
- In a large ziplock bag or bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, black pepper, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the brine and shake or mix until all pieces are coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours. Longer brining ensures juicier chicken.
Step 2: Make the Seasoning Dredge
- Combine 1 ½ cups of flour with all the spices in a food processor. Pulse until well mixed.
- In a large paper bag or bowl, combine the processed flour mixture with the remaining 2 ½ cups of flour.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the brine.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Place on a baking sheet.
- Alternatively, place chicken in the bag with dredge and shake until fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fry pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry 4–5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170–175°F.
- Remove chicken and drain excess oil on paper towels. Repeat for remaining pieces.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces. Enjoy the crispy, juicy fried chicken!
Notes
- Use a deep pot to avoid oil splatter.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature; too hot burns the coating, too cold makes it greasy.
- Brine for at least 6 hours for best results.
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Variations
- Spicy Version – Increase cayenne pepper to 2 tbsp.
- Garlic & Herb – Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried thyme to the dredge.
- Buttermilk-Free – Use regular milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before dredging to help coating stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Use a thermometer to check oil and chicken temperature for perfect results.
- Let fried chicken rest on a rack to maintain crispiness.
What to Serve with Publix Fried Chicken?
- Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or green beans.
- Breads: Soft dinner rolls or cornbread.
- Dips and Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, or hot sauce.
- Beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, or soft drinks.
How to Store Publix Fried Chicken?
- Refrigerator: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container. Store for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap chicken pieces in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Oven-reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.
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Publix Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Large Ziplock bag or bowl for brining
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fry pan or deep pot for frying
- Baking sheet or tray to hold dredged chicken
- Food processor (optional, for mixing the dredge)
Ingredients
- 2 whole chickens 1000 grams each, cut into 10 pieces per chicken
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 ¼ tbsp salt
- For Seasoning Dredge:
- 4 cups King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
- 1 ½ tbsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tbsp ground celery seeds
- 1 ½ tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp annatto powder
- 4 tsp Davis Baking Powder
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large ziplock bag or bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, black pepper, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the brine and shake or mix until all pieces are coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours. Longer brining ensures juicier chicken.
- Step 2: Make the Seasoning Dredge
- Combine 1 ½ cups of flour with all the spices in a food processor. Pulse until well mixed.
- In a large paper bag or bowl, combine the processed flour mixture with the remaining 2 ½ cups of flour.
- Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the brine.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Place on a baking sheet.
- Alternatively, place chicken in the bag with dredge and shake until fully coated.
- Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fry pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry 4–5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170–175°F.
- Remove chicken and drain excess oil on paper towels. Repeat for remaining pieces.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces. Enjoy the crispy, juicy fried chicken!
Notes
Nutrition
Valuable Information
What To Serve With Publix Fried Chicken?
Publix Fried Chicken goes especially well with Green beans, Sweet Potatoes, Macaroni Salad, Cornbread, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Fried Okra, and French Fries are some of the side dishes.
How To Store Publix Fried Chicken?
Refrigerate fried chicken in shallow airtight containers or securely wrap it in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap to extend its shelf life for safety and quality. Fried chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if properly refrigerated.
How To Reheat Publix Fried Chicken?
Heat the chicken in the microwave for 3 to 6 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, on a platter coated with a paper towel. This allows for a speedy and risk-free defrosting and reheating of the chicken. The chicken should be baked in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Publix Fried Chicken?
The main ingredients of this Publix Fried Chicken Recipe are chicken, buttermilk, eggs, flour, and spices. They have many health benefits. They are as follows:
Chicken: Chicken, a good source of protein, can help you keep the pounds off and reduce your chances of developing cardiac problems. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chicken, has been linked to higher amounts of serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) in human brains.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is high in protein, which your body requires to produce strong muscles, skin, and bones. The majority of buttermilk on the market is fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A. The vitamin D.
Eggs: Eggs are nutrient-dense, high in protein, enhance “Good” cholesterol levels, are a good source of vitamin D, and are one of the finest dietary sources of choline.
Flour: Flour is high in protein, minerals, fibre, and complex carbs. In addition to that, it contains a lower ratio of fat and cholesterol.
Spices: Spices can improve health in many ways, from lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels to reducing inflammation and the risk of cancer.
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Conclusion
This Publix Fried Chicken Recipe brings the classic supermarket favorite into your home kitchen with a simple, step-by-step method. From brining to frying, every step ensures tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy coating. Whether for family dinners, gatherings, or a special treat, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser. Follow the tips, try the variations, and enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken without leaving home.
