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Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Sana Yousaf

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Recipe

A crispy, juicy, honey-dipped fried chicken recipe inspired by Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, perfect for a Southern-style family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs chicken pieces drumsticks, thighs, breasts
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce optional, for extra kick
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for gluten-free diet
  • 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

Method
 

  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.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or swap buttermilk with plant-based milk and a splash of vinegar for a dairy-free option.
  • Make It Spicy: Increase cayenne pepper to ½ tsp or add more hot sauce to the marinade for a bolder kick.
  • Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for an authentic Lee’s experience.

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