Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken : Each piece is seasoned with a blend of mouthwatering spices, hand-breaded for the perfect crunch, and cooked to juicy perfection. Pair it with famous sides—like buttery biscuits or creamy mashed potatoes.
What Makes Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Unique?
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken stands out thanks to its distinctive combination of flavors, textures, and preparation techniques. Known for its “Famous Recipe” seasoning blend, this chicken is marinated, hand-breaded, and pressure-cooked to lock in moisture while achieving an irresistible crispy coating.
The hallmark of Lee’s chicken is its balance: bold yet not overpowering seasoning, a crispy crust that doesn’t feel greasy, and perfectly cooked meat. It’s not just fried chicken—it’s a carefully crafted comfort food masterpiece.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Fried Chicken
Recreating Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at home might not be exact, but here are some tips to get close:
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and Lee’s-style spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper) overnight ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: To achieve that signature crispy crust, dip the chicken in flour, then buttermilk, and flour again. Add a pinch of cornstarch to the flour mixture for added crispiness.
- Pressure Cooking Secret: While traditional frying works, using a pressure cooker like Lee’s does ensures a juicier texture and faster cooking time.
- Use Peanut Oil: This oil’s high smoke point and neutral flavor make it ideal for frying chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature and prevent sogginess.
Popular Variations of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
While the classic Original Recipe is hard to beat, there are a few ways to tweak or enhance the dish:
- Spicy Crispy Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- Herb-Infused Crust: Incorporate dried rosemary, thyme, or sage into the breading mix for an herby flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond or rice flour.
- Air Fryer Version: For a healthier twist, try cooking the chicken in an air fryer. You’ll get a crisp exterior with less oil.
How to Serve Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is versatile, and you can enjoy it in several ways:
- Classic Family Meal: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and warm buttermilk biscuits for a hearty dinner.
- Chicken Sandwich: Nestle a crispy chicken breast between a soft bun with pickles, lettuce, and your favorite sauce for a delicious sandwich.
- Southern-Style Picnic: Serve with sweet tea, cornbread, and baked beans for an authentic Southern experience.
- Game Day Snack: Combine chicken wings with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or buffalo sauce for the ultimate game-day treat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain quality:
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the chicken tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at home?
While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can replicate a similar taste by marinating the chicken in buttermilk and using a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
What sides go best with Lee’s chicken?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, and biscuits. For a lighter option, try a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables.
Is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken spicy?
The Original Recipe is flavorful without being overly spicy. However, Lee’s Spicy Chicken and Spicy Jumbo Dippers add extra heat for those who enjoy a kick.
Can I order Lee’s chicken online?
Many Lee’s locations offer online ordering for pickup or delivery. Check their website or app for availability near you.
What’s the difference between Lee’s Original and Crispy recipes?
The Original Recipe is pressure-cooked for a tender texture, while the Crispy Chicken features a thicker, crunchier breading for those who prefer extra crunch.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken : Each piece is seasoned with a blend of mouthwatering spices, hand-breaded for the perfect crunch, and cooked to juicy perfection. Pair it with famous sides—like buttery biscuits or creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. This is your secret to flavorful chicken!
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even layer. Shake off any excess. - Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd. Fry for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately and savor the crispy goodness!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 630Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 1713mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 3gSugar: 0gProtein: 48g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken isn’t just food—it’s a tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re savoring it in a restaurant, enjoying a takeout meal with family, or recreating the recipe in your kitchen, this beloved dish offers something for everyone. With its rich history, unbeatable flavor, and customizable options, Lee’s chicken continues to reign as a favorite among fried chicken aficionados.
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