Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

My son told me today that he missed my fried chicken recipe—the one that’s a copycat version of Publix Fried Chicken. I smiled because it brought back memories of when my husband and I used to visit Publix during our days working on a private farm.

The fried chicken there, oh, it’s unforgettable! It’s not just any fried chicken; it’s double-breaded, making the outside perfectly crispy and crunchy. Inside, the chicken is wonderfully tender and moist. The seasoning is a real game-changer—savory with just the right hint of spice. Each bite offers a beautiful harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist like my other recipes.

So, Lets make the most popular and demanding Publix fried chicken recipe.

What Makes Publix Fried Chicken Unique?

This copycat of Publix fried chicken is nothing short of a culinary wonder, especially known for its unique double breading which gives it that irresistible crunch. The chicken is seasoned with a blend that includes smoked paprika, cayenne, and more, creating a delightfully spicy and savory flavor that dances on your taste buds.

The cooking method itself, deep-frying to a perfect golden brown, ensures that every piece is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and moist on the inside. This combination of texture and flavor is what sets it apart from any other fried chicken.

Why Should I Brine The Chicken?

Brining keeps the meat juicy during cooking. The salt and buttermilk break down proteins, creating tender chicken that stays moist even with high-heat frying. It’s worth the extra time for the best results.

What Is in Publix Fried Chicken

Brine:

• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Salt (1 tablespoon): Enhances the natural flavors.
• Black Pepper (1 tablespoon): For a mild kick.
• Egg (1 large): Helps the brine coat the chicken evenly.

Seasoning Dredge:

• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The base for the crispy breading.
• Nutritional Yeast (1 tablespoon): Adds a unique savory note.
• Cayenne Pepper (1 tablespoon): Gives a touch of heat.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tablespoon): Adds a smoky depth.
• Ground Celery Seed (1 tablespoon): For a subtle earthy flavor.
• Onion Powder (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall taste.
• Turmeric (1 tablespoon): For color and warmth.
• Annatto Powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a natural golden hue.
• Black Pepper (1 tablespoon): To amplify the seasoning.
• Salt (1 tablespoon): Balances the flavor.
• Baking Powder (3 teaspoons): Makes the breading light and airy.
• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

Recipe Substitutions

• Buttermilk: Swap with plain yogurt diluted with a little water.
• Annatto Powder: Substitute with paprika for color.
• Nutritional Yeast: Omit if unavailable or replace with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.
• Cayenne Pepper: Use chili powder for milder heat.
• Oil: Peanut oil is another excellent choice for frying.

Kitchen Appliances

• Large mixing bowl or ziplock bags for brining.
• Food processor for blending the seasoning.
• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for frying.
• Baking sheet to hold the dredged chicken.
• Kitchen thermometer to check oil temperature and chicken doneness.

How to Make Publix Fried Chicken

Step 1: The Brine

In a large ziplock bag or mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, and 1 large egg. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Add your chicken pieces to the bag or bowl, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the brine. If using a bag, seal it tightly and shake gently to coat the chicken.

If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for 4 to 24 hours. The longer it brines, the juicier and more flavorful the chicken will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Dredge

In a food processor, blend 1 cup of flour with all the spices—nutritional yeast, cayenne, smoked paprika, celery seed, onion powder, turmeric, annatto, black pepper, and salt. Pulse until the seasonings are well blended and there are no large flakes. Transfer the seasoned mixture to a large bowl and mix in 2 additional cups of flour and 3 teaspoons of baking powder. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let the excess brine drip off. For an easy and mess-free coating, place the seasoned flour mix into a large ziplock or paper bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake until every piece is well coated.

Alternatively, you can coat the chicken one piece at a time by dipping it into the bowl of flour mix. Once coated, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the coating adhere better.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour a generous amount of oil like vegetable or canola into a large Dutch oven or deep frying pot. The oil should cover at least a quarter depth of the chicken pieces. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy to avoid overheating or underheating.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping occasionally to achieve even browning again coat the fried chicken 2-3 minutes (double breading). Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy your homemade Publix Fried Chicken copycat recipe, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Tips From The Chef👨‍🍳

• For a crispier crust, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
• Always monitor the oil temperature; too low will make the chicken greasy, and too high may burn the coating.
• Use a wire rack for draining to maintain crispness.

What Are the Best Sides to Pair with Publix Fried Chicken

When I make Publix fried chicken at home, I love to pair it with these classic sides that truly complete the meal:

• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: There’s nothing better than creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with savory gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest.
• Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances out the rich flavors of the fried chicken. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up.
• Biscuits: Warm, flaky, and buttery, biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover juices or gravy on your plate.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheesy, gooey mac and cheese? It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, tender corn is a lighter option that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.

Store Leftovers and Reheating Process

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:

• Oven Method: Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for a quick, crispy finish.

FAQs

Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why does my coating fall off during frying?

Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before adding chicken. Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying, and don’t move the pieces too much while cooking. The egg in the brine helps the coating stick better.

Why do you double-bread the chicken?

Double-breading creates that signature thick, crunchy coating Publix is famous for. The first layer acts as a base, while the second creates extra crispiness and holds seasonings better.

Making Publix Fried Chicken at home brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen table. Through years of testing and tweaking, I’ve created this copycat recipe that captures all the flavors and textures that make the original so special.

Every time I make this chicken, it reminds me why comfort food brings people together. The crispy coating, juicy meat, and perfect seasoning blend make this recipe a keeper.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear about your cooking adventures! Share your results with me on Pinterest and tag your creations.