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Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Anousha Zain

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Bring the iconic crispy, seasoned fried chicken flavor to your kitchen with this delicious copycat recipe inspired by Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and fried until golden brown and crispy. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or weekend comfort food. Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or your favorite dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ lbs chicken pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Place chicken in a large bowl.
  3. Pour buttermilk over the chicken.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. In another bowl combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and baking powder.
  6. Mix the flour mixture thoroughly.
  7. Remove chicken from the buttermilk.
  8. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off.
  9. Coat each chicken piece generously in the seasoned flour.
  10. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken.
  11. Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes.
  12. Heat vegetable oil to 325°F (163°C).
  13. Carefully place chicken into the hot oil.
  14. Fry in batches without overcrowding.
  15. Cook for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  16. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  17. Transfer to a wire rack.
  18. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  19. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight creates the juiciest chicken.
  • Maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the fryer.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
  • A wire rack keeps the coating crisp.
  • Season immediately after frying for extra flavor if desired.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for maximum crispiness.

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