Crispy and flavorful, Publix Fried Chicken boasts a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy, tender meat. making it a must-try for any fried chicken lover.

If you like Publix Fried Chicken, this recipe is for you to make it at home. This copycat Publix Fried Chicken recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients like buttermilk, Dirty Bird rub, flour, and club soda. It’s my favorite fried chicken besides Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.

I like to serve it with mashed potatoes Like Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes and Dinosaur Barbeque Coleslaw as side dishes. For dipping, ranch or Captain d’s honey mustard are great options. For a spicy kick, I always choose hot sauce or sriracha.

This homemade version gives you the same delicious, crispy texture as the store-bought one. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade Publix Fried Chicken with your favorite sides and sauces!

What is Publix Fried Chicken?

Publix Fried Chicken is a well-loved dish sold at Publix supermarkets. It’s made with chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings) that are marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a special blend of spices. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, and additional seasoning before being fried in peanut oil until crispy and golden brown. The combination of the buttermilk marinade and the seasoned flour coating gives the chicken its distinctive flavor and crunchy texture.

How to make Publix Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup Dirty Bird rub (or your favorite chicken seasoning blend with 13 herbs and spices)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 2 tablespoons Dirty Bird rub
• Soda water (club soda)
• Peanut oil (enough to submerge the chicken pieces)
• Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)

Equipment You’ll need

• Deep fryer or large pot: For frying the chicken pieces.
• Mixing bowls: To prepare the buttermilk marinade and flour batter.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: For removing the chicken pieces from the marinade and transferring them to the fryer.
• Wire rack or paper towels: To drain excess oil from the fried chicken pieces after cooking

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and 1/2 cup of Dirty Bird rub. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 2:

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, and 2 tablespoons of Dirty Bird rub. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3:

Preheat the peanut oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4:

Pour enough soda water into the flour mixture to create a thick batter consistency, stirring until smooth.

Step 5:

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 6:

Dip each chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 7:

Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.

Step 8:

Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 9:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Tips

• Let the chicken soak in a mixture of buttermilk and your favorite chicken seasoning blend for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
• Mix additional herbs and spices into the flour mixture for added flavor. Consider ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs.
• Incorporating self-rising flour into the dredging mixture adds extra lift and crispiness to the chicken coating.
• Mixing soda water (club soda) into the flour batter creates a light and airy coating, resulting in a crispier texture.
• After coating the chicken in flour once, dip it back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in flour again before frying. This double dredging process creates a thicker, crispier crust.

What to pair with Publix Fried Chicken

My favorite way to enjoy Publix Fried Chicken is with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and tangy coleslaw. The crispy coating of the chicken pairs perfectly with the smooth texture of the potatoes, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to each bite. But you can serve it with some fluffy biscuits and sweet corn on the cob for a classic Southern meal that’s sure to satisfy. For more variety, consider adding macaroni and cheese or green beans to the table. These side dishes complement the fried chicken beautifully and offer a range of flavors and textures to enjoy.

Additionally, you can’t go wrong with potato salad and honey mustard sauce as accompaniments. The tanginess of the potato salad balances the richness of the fried chicken, while the honey mustard sauce adds a hint of sweetness and spice.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other high-smoke-point oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil if you prefer not to use peanut oil.

What is Dirty Bird Rub?

Dirty Bird rub is a seasoning blend with 13 herbs and spices. If you don’t have it, you can use your favorite chicken seasoning blend.

How long should I marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for more flavor, you can marinate it overnight.

What if I don’t have club soda?

You can use plain water instead, but club soda helps to make the batter lighter and crispier.

How long should I fry the chicken?

Fry the chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

How to Reheat Publix Fried Chicken?

To reheat Publix fried chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, ideally on a wire rack to keep it crispy. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to enjoy crispy, warm fried chicken.

Conclusion

This recipe for Publix Fried Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved dish right in the comfort of your own home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the crispy and flavorful fried chicken that Publix is famous for.