Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken with a touch of Southern charm? Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has been satisfying appetites since 1966 with its hand-breaded, honey-dipped chicken and homestyle sides. This fast-food chain, born in Lima, Ohio, has carved out a loyal following with its unique flavor and commitment to fresh, never-frozen chicken. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Lee’s special, from its history and franchise model to its secret seasoning and how you can recreate it at home. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the brand, get ready to dive into the delicious world of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.

What Is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is a quick-service restaurant chain renowned for its hand-breaded, honey-dipped fried chicken, homestyle sides, and buttery biscuits. Founded in 1966 by Lee Cummings, the nephew of KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders, Lee’s began as “Harold’s Take-Home” in Lima, Ohio. Cummings developed a unique recipe that combined fresh chicken, a special spice blend, and a honey dip for a sweet-salty crunch. The chicken is pressure-fried to lock in flavor, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Today, Lee’s is celebrated for its Southern-inspired comfort food, offering menu items like chicken sandwiches, pot pies, and family meals. With a focus on quality and consistency, Lee’s has become a go-to for families and fried chicken enthusiasts alike.

Where Is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Located?

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken operates 142 locations across 13 states, primarily in the Midwest and South, with a few international outposts in Canada and Jordan. Over 50% of its restaurants are concentrated in Ohio and Kentucky, reflecting its strong regional roots. Other states with Lee’s locations include Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Notable cities with Lee’s include Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Plymouth, Michigan, where the chain enjoys a legendary following. The company’s headquarters are in Shalimar, Florida, and its website (leesfamousrecipe.com) offers a location finder for nearby restaurants. Lee’s is expanding, with new openings in Michigan in 2024 and plans for further growth in 2025.

Is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken a Franchise?

Yes, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is primarily a franchise-based business. Founded in 1966, the chain sold its first franchise in Columbus, Ohio, later that year. Today, most of its 142 locations are franchisee-owned, with only a few company-operated units. The franchise model has been key to Lee’s growth, allowing local owners to maintain high standards while expanding the brand. In 2021, LFR Chicken, LLC, backed by Artemis Lane Partners, acquired Lee’s, and since then, the company has focused on franchise expansion and acquiring existing franchise units to align operations. Lee’s supports its franchisees with updated brand visuals, menu innovation, and partnerships like GiftAMeal, which donates meals to local food banks. For those interested in franchising, details are available at leesfamousrecipe.com/franchise.

What’s in Lee’s Famous Chicken Seasoning?

The exact recipe for Lee’s Famous Chicken seasoning remains a closely guarded secret, but it’s known to involve a proprietary blend of herbs and spices that give the chicken its distinctive flavor. Based on copycat recipes and customer insights, the seasoning likely includes staples like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, salt, and ground mustard. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and golden hue, while white pepper provides a gentle heat. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and sometimes hot sauce before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture, which enhances the flavor and ensures a crispy crust. The honey dip, applied before breading, adds a unique sweet-salty balance that sets Lee’s apart. While the precise formula isn’t public, these elements are key to its “lip-smackin’ good” taste.

How to Make Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at Home

Want to recreate Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken in your kitchen? While the exact recipe is proprietary, this copycat version captures its crispy, honey-dipped goodness. Follow these steps for a Southern-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground mustard
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp honey
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Deep fryer or large skillet
• Thermometer
• Wire rack
• Paper towel-lined tray

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Seasoning: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
3. Honey Dip: Lightly drizzle honey over the chicken pieces after removing them from the buttermilk, letting excess marinade drip off. This mimics Lee’s signature sweet touch.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating. For extra crispiness, double-dip by returning the chicken to the buttermilk and coating again. Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes to set the breading.
5. Fry the Chicken: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Serve: Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes to settle juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Maintain oil temperature to avoid soggy or burnt chicken.
• Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for authenticity.

Who Owns Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken was founded by Lee Cummings and Harold Omer in 1966. Cummings sold the chain to Shoney’s Restaurants in 1981, which operated it until 1995 when RTM Restaurant Group took over. In 2002, Cummings passed away at age 80. In 2021, LFR Chicken, LLC, backed by Artemis Lane Partners, acquired Lee’s, with Ryan Weaver as CEO. Headquartered in Shalimar, Florida, the company is now focused on expansion and modernization while preserving its core recipes. Most locations are franchisee-owned, with the corporate team supporting operators through training, marketing, and operational improvements.

How Is Lee’s Chicken Different from KFC?

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and KFC share a historical connection—Lee Cummings was Colonel Sanders’ nephew and helped build KFC before starting Lee’s—but their offerings diverge in flavor and style. Lee’s chicken is hand-breaded, honey-dipped, and pressure-fried, resulting in a crunchier, juicier texture with a sweet-salty profile. KFC’s Original Recipe uses a bolder, savory 11-herb-and-spice blend and heavier breading, which some find greasier. Lee’s lighter breading and honey dip create a less heavy meal. Price-wise, Lee’s is often more affordable (e.g., a 3-piece meal at ~$6.39 vs. KFC’s 2-piece at ~$8). Lee’s also offers unique items like gizzards, livers, and spicy tenders, unavailable at KFC. However, KFC’s 4,000 U.S. locations dwarf Lee’s 142, making it more accessible. Taste preference decides—Lee’s for sweeter, crispier bites; KFC for classic boldness.

Does Lee’s Famous Chicken Have Spicy?

Yes, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken offers spicy options for heat lovers. Their Spicy Jumbo Dippers, boneless fried chicken pieces, are hand-breaded twice with a spicy seasoning that delivers a moderate kick, suitable for most palates. Some locations also serve a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich, a limited-time offering with Mike’s Hot Honey for a sweet-spicy twist. The spicy chicken retains the chain’s signature crunch and juiciness but adds a peppery heat that’s not overwhelming. Check with your local Lee’s, as menu items vary by franchise. For homemade spicy Lee’s-style chicken, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix.

What Sides Come with Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is known for its homestyle sides that complement its fried chicken. Common sides include:

• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy potatoes with savory gravy.
• Coleslaw: Tangy and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness.
• Green Beans: Steamed with a Southern touch.
• Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy comfort food.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned, and sometimes battered like the chicken.

Family meals, like the 12-piece deal, include a choice of three large sides and biscuits. Biscuits, fluffy and buttery, are a fan favorite. Some locations offer unique sides like fried pickles or low-carb options for their oven-roasted chicken. Side availability may vary by franchise.

How Many Calories in Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?

Calorie content for Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken varies by menu item and serving size. Estimates based on similar recipes and nutritional data suggest:

• Fried Chicken Breast (1 piece): ~350-400 calories
• Fried Chicken Thigh (1 piece): ~250-300 calories
• Fried Chicken Drumstick (1 piece): ~150-200 calories
• Spicy Jumbo Dippers (4 pieces): ~500-600 calories
• Chicken Sandwich: ~450-550 calories
• Sides (per serving):
  • Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (½ cup): ~120-150 calories
  • Coleslaw (½ cup): ~100-130 calories
  • Macaroni and Cheese (½ cup): ~150-200 calories
  • Biscuit (1): ~200-250 calories

These are approximations, as Lee’s doesn’t publicly share exact nutritional data, and values depend on preparation and portion size. For precise counts, contact your local Lee’s or use a nutrition calculator with your homemade recipe. Health-conscious diners can opt for oven-roasted chicken, which uses less oil.

Why Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Stands Out

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken combines Southern heritage, quality ingredients, and a unique honey-dipped recipe to deliver comfort food that resonates with fans. Its smaller footprint compared to giants like KFC allows for a community-focused experience, strengthened by partnerships like GiftAMeal, which has provided over 75,000 meals to local food banks. With robust 2024 sales of $235 million and plans for 2025 expansion, Lee’s is poised for growth while staying true to its roots. Whether you visit a location, order via the Lee’s Rewards app, or try the recipe at home, Lee’s promises a crispy, flavorful escape. Visit leesfamousrecipe.com to find a store or explore catering for your next gathering.

Final Thoughts

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is more than just a fast-food chain—it’s a celebration of Southern comfort and culinary tradition. Its hand-breaded, honey-dipped chicken, paired with homestyle sides and warm biscuits, offers a nostalgic dining experience that feels like home. The brand’s commitment to quality, community, and innovation ensures it remains a beloved choice for fried chicken lovers. Whether you’re savoring a spicy dipper, recreating the recipe in your kitchen, or sharing a family meal, Lee’s delivers joy in every bite. As it grows, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken continues to honor its roots while inviting new fans to taste its timeless appeal. Craving a crispy, soul-warming meal? Lee’s is calling your name.

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