Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe: Delicious

I’m a diehard fan of fried chicken. And while I have my neighborhood joints that I love, there’s something special about Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.

That crispy skin, the juicy meat, that little hit of spice – it’s the kind of comfort food that never gets old. But what exactly IS their secret?

Today, we’re on a mission to uncover the mysteries behind Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe. I’ve scoured the internet and experimented with copycat recipes, and I think I’m finally starting to crack the code. Let’s dive in!

[toc]

Key Takeaways

• Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is loved for its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy meat.
• There are a lot of great copycat recipes online that try to imitate that taste.
• While Lee’s has some classic sides, there are loads of other tasty things to serve with fried chicken.
• Like any fried food, Lee’s should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

---

Understanding the Original Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Before we attempt to recreate Lee’s magic at home, let’s understand what sets the original apart.

• The Flavor Foundation: Lee’s seems to rely on a classic blend of spices you’d expect in fried chicken – things like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a few others. Some people swear there’s something extra, a special ingredient that gives it a unique edge.
• Prepping the Bird: Most sources hint at Lee’s bringing their chicken before coating, which helps keep it super juicy. They might also do a classic double-dredge in the flour mixture for that extra crispy bite.
• What’s the ‘Secret’? Online debates rage over whether MSG is in the original recipe, along with other theories about unique spice blends or cooking techniques. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle – a mix of the familiar with maybe one or two well-guarded twists.

---

Homemade Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe

Now, the fun part! I won’t lie, perfectly replicating Lee’s at home is a challenge. However, there are some seriously impressive copycat recipes floating around. Here’s my take on a couple of top contenders:

Lee’s Famous Spice Master

Lee’s Famous Spice Master Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken pieces	2-3 lbs	Bone-in, skin-on is traditional for Lee’s
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Paprika	2 tbsp
Garlic powder	1 tbsp
Onion powder	1 tbsp
Black pepper	1 tsp	Freshly ground is best
Dried thyme	1 tsp
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Celery salt	1 tsp
Cayenne pepper	½ tsp	Adjust for desired heat level
Salt	1 tbsp
Buttermilk	2 cups	Optional, for extra tender chicken
Vegetable oil	For frying	Enough to fill your fryer/deep skillet

Lee’s Famous Spice Master Instructions

1. Brine (Optional): Combine 1 tbsp salt with a quart of water. Submerge chicken for 1-4 hours (the longer, the juicier!). Rinse chicken afterward. If doing buttermilk, soak in the buttermilk for the same amount of time instead.
2. Spice Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and all the spices.
3. Dredge and Rest: Dredge each chicken piece in the spice mix, and shake off excess. Rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes (this helps the coating set!).
4. Double Dredge: Dredge each chicken piece again in the spice mix.
5. Heat Oil: Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy!
6. Fry Time: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 12-15 minutes for larger pieces). Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain and Enjoy: Let chicken drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Serve hot and crispy!

---

Lee’s Famous Buttermilk Bliss Recipe

Let us look at here for further details:

Buttermilk Bliss Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken pieces	2-3 pounds	Bone-in, skin-on is traditional
Buttermilk	2 cups
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Paprika	1 tablespoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1 teaspoon	Adjust to your taste
Salt	1 teaspoon	Adjust to your taste
Cayenne pepper (Optional)	1/2 teaspoon	For a touch of heat
Vegetable Oil	For frying	Enough to fill your fryer or pot

Buttermilk Bliss Recipe Instructions

1. Brine for Flavor: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and 1 teaspoon salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. Prep the Spice Blend: Combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, additional salt (if desired), and cayenne (if using) in a separate bowl.
3. Time to Dredge! Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Then dip back into the buttermilk and dredge a second time in the flour mixture.
4. Rest and Repeat: Place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating set.
5. Get Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Cook to Perfection: Fry for 12-15 minutes for smaller pieces or 18-22 minutes for larger ones, or until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
7. Drain and Enjoy: Remove chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Serve hot and crispy with your favorite Lee’s inspired sides!

Important Notes:

• For maximum tenderness, the brine time is key.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is accurate.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and the chicken won’t cook properly.
• You may need to fry in multiple batches.
• Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving – it’ll be extra juicy!

---

Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe Essential Tips

No matter which copycat recipe you follow, here are a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way:

• Brine, Baby, Brine! Soaking your chicken for at least an hour in a saltwater solution (or buttermilk!) is KEY for juicy results.
• Double Dip = Double Crunch: Don’t skip that second round of dredging in the seasoned flour – it’s what creates Lee’s signature craggy crust.
• Keep That Oil Hot: Oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) is essential for the perfect golden fry that cooks all the way through.

---

The Perfect Sides for Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe

Lee’s has its tried-and-true classics, but the possibilities are endless!

• Signature Lee’s Sides
  • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Creamy, comforting goodness.
  • Coleslaw: A cool, tangy contrast to the fried chicken.
  • Honey-Drenched Biscuits: A little sweet, a little savory, totally addictive.
• Out-of-the-Box Pairings
  • Mac and Cheese: Cheesy indulgence is always a YES.
  • Cornbread: Crumble some on top with extra honey.
  • Potato Salad: A creamy twist compared to slaw.
  • Spicy Greens: Balance out the richness with a peppery kick

---

History of Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe

You know how sometimes the best things come from unexpected places? Well, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is a perfect example.

• The KFC Connection: It all began back in the 1960s with Colonel Sanders’ nephew, Lee Cummings. After the Colonel sold KFC, Lee started experimenting with his own “Famous Recipe” fried chicken.
• Humble Beginnings: Lee opened his first restaurant in Ohio in 1966, and it didn’t take long for people to catch on. The crispy, flavorful chicken was a hit!
• Expansion Time: Lee’s steadily grew, and today you can find locations all over the eastern and southern US.

---

Is Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe Healthy?

Let’s be real – fried chicken isn’t exactly healthy food. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it occasionally! Here’s a breakdown of what to keep in mind:

• The Numbers: A typical 3-piece meal at Lee’s can clock in around 800-1000 calories, with a considerable amount of fat and sodium.
• Finding Balance: Lee’s does have some lighter options, like grilled chicken. But to stay health-conscious, consider smaller portions, or making your own baked “fried” chicken using a copycat recipe.
• It’s All About Moderation: Treat Lee’s as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular staple in your diet.

---

Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe Around the Web

The internet is buzzing about Lee’s! Here’s a peek at what people are saying:

• The Good Stuff: Most reviews rave about the consistency of Lee’s chicken, the flavorful crust, and the comforting side dishes.
• Room for Improvement: Some find Lee’s a bit on the greasy side, occasionally salty, or a tad pricier compared to rivals.
• Copycat Mania: Home cooks are obsessed with perfecting their versions of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken – there are tons of recipes and whole forums dedicated to the quest!

---

FAQs

---

Lee’s Famous Chicken Recipe Conclusion

Whether you’re a longtime Lee’s fan or just starting to discover its charms, there’s no denying the appeal of this iconic fried chicken.

It’s a testament to the power of a well-executed recipe, a bit of history, and that undeniable fried chicken craving we all get from time to time.