Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

Golden, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Publix fried chicken is a Southern comfort food classic that everyone loves. This copycat Publix fried chicken recipe brings all the deli-counter flavors straight to your kitchen, combining the perfect marinade with a secret spice rub for unbeatable taste. It’s a recipe designed for both flavor and ease, making it the ultimate easy fried chicken recipe for family dinners or special occasions.

Cooking this Publix fried chicken at home is simpler than it looks. Each bite delivers crispy, golden perfection, and the juicy interior keeps everyone coming back for more. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with sides or exploring other chicken favorites, like this hearty chicken cacciatore recipe or a comforting chicken casserole recipe.

Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this fried chicken recipe elevates weeknight meals or weekend feasts. Its rich flavor, satisfying crunch, and simplicity make it a must-try for anyone craving authentic Southern fried chicken without leaving home.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Publix Fried Chicken?

This Publix fried chicken recipe copycat is all about achieving that perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy, tender chicken inside. Thanks to a marinade featuring buttermilk and a unique spice blend, each piece is bursting with flavor. Every bite carries a subtle kick from 13 herbs and spices, making it incredibly savory without being overpowering.

The texture is what really sets this southern fried chicken recipe apart. Double-dipping the chicken in a combination of flour and soda water creates a crunchy exterior that locks in moisture. The result is a golden, crackling crust that’s so satisfying, it practically melts in your mouth while keeping the chicken tender inside.

Best of all, this fried chicken recipe easy version can be made in your own kitchen without fancy equipment. You don’t have to travel to Florida to enjoy that unmistakable Publix flavor. Just follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have restaurant-quality fried chicken at home that rivals the original.

Ingredients Required for Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Publix Fried Chicken

• 2 cups buttermilk
• ½ cup Dirty Bird Rub (13 herbs and spices – available at Uncle Dibs)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup self-rising flour
• 2 tablespoons Dirty Bird Rub
• Soda water (for dipping)
• Peanut oil (enough for deep frying, ~3–4 cups)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large mixing bowls
2. Tongs
3. Deep frying pan or fryer
4. Meat thermometer
5. Wire rack for draining

Preparation & Cooking Time

Marinating time: Overnight (minimum 8 hours)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes per batch
Total time: ~9 hours (mostly hands-off during marination)

Copycat Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Publix Fried Chicken in a delicious way.

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups buttermilk with ½ cup Dirty Bird Rub. Submerge the chicken pieces completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors soak in.

2. Prepare the Flour Coating: In another bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup self-rising flour, and 2 tablespoons Dirty Bird Rub. Mix well to create the flavorful coating for your chicken.

3. First Dip: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Pour soda water into a separate bowl. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip into the soda water for extra moisture.

4. Double Coat for Crispiness: Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating. Press gently to make sure each piece is well-covered – this double-dip technique creates the iconic crispy crust.

5. Fry the Chicken: Heat peanut oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces carefully, keeping the oil between 300–320°F. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides for a true southern fried chicken experience that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Publix Fried Chicken

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Publix Fried Chicken deliciously

1. Classic Southern Style
Serve your crispy fried chicken with buttery mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy – it’s like a hug on a plate.

2. With Cornbread
Nothing beats pairing this fried chicken with warm, golden cornbread and a pat of melting butter. We love dunking the chicken juices into it!

3, Sweet & Savory Combo
Try it with honey-glazed carrots or candied yams. The sweetness balances perfectly with the spicy, crispy crust.

4. Coleslaw Crunch
A fresh, tangy coleslaw adds the perfect crunch and lightens up the meal – we always double the slaw.

5. Biscuits on the Side
Fluffy biscuits are a must! Cut one open and add a piece of chicken for an indulgent mini sandwich.

6. With Mac & Cheese
Creamy, cheesy macaroni pairs beautifully with our golden fried chicken. It’s comfort food heaven.

7. Fried Chicken Sandwich
Stack the chicken on a soft bun with pickles and mayo. It’s an easy lunch that tastes just like a restaurant version.

8. Spicy Dipping Sauces
From honey mustard to hot sauce, dipping makes every bite more exciting. We like having 2–3 sauces on the table.

9. Garden Fresh Sides
Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter, balanced meal without losing flavor.

10. Southern Picnic Style
Pack pieces with potato salad, baked beans, and lemonade for the perfect outdoor meal – we do this every summer!

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

The first time I made this Publix fried chicken recipe, I was nervous, but it turned out amazing! The chicken was golden, crispy, and so juicy inside. My whole family kept asking for seconds, and I felt like I was serving a restaurant meal at home. I loved how the spice mix made every bite flavorful, and the double-dip trick really made the crust extra crunchy. It’s now my go-to fried chicken recipe for every special dinner!

1. Marinate overnight for extra flavor.
2. Use cold buttermilk – it keeps the chicken juicy.
3. Shake off extra flour so it doesn’t clump.
4. Double-dip in soda water and flour for crunch.
5. Keep oil temperature steady between 300–320°F.
6. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
7. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Publix Fried Chicken Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

FAQs on this Publix Fried Chicken Recipe

When you give this Publix Fried Chicken Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make this fried chicken without buttermilk?

We’ve tried it with regular milk plus a little lemon juice, and it works okay, but buttermilk gives the best tender and juicy chicken.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Overnight is perfect! We’ve noticed marinating less than 4 hours makes the flavor less intense and the chicken slightly less juicy.

3. Can I use another oil instead of peanut oil?

Yes, vegetable or canola oil works, but peanut oil gives the best flavor and holds heat well for frying.

4. How do I know when the chicken is done?

We always use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe and juicy at 165°F internal temperature.

5. Why do you double-dip the chicken in flour and soda water?

Trust us, it’s worth it! This trick gives an extra crispy crust that stays crunchy even after cooling a bit.

6. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can, but it won’t be as crispy. We like to fry for that golden crunch.

7. How can I store leftovers?

We keep ours in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

8. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless works, but cooking time is shorter. Bone-in gives more flavor and juiciness.

9. Can I freeze this fried chicken?

We freeze cooked chicken occasionally. Wrap well and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

10. What sides go best with this chicken?

From mashed potatoes to coleslaw or biscuits, we’ve tried them all, and each pairing is a winner every time!

Making this copycat Publix fried chicken recipe at home is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. From the juicy interior to the perfectly crisp crust, this fried chicken is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any comfort food craving. Try this recipe today and experience that iconic Publix flavor in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results and let us know how your fried chicken turned out!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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