When I pull into the Publix parking lot on Sunday mornings for my weekly grocery run, the first thing I smell when I open my car door is the heavenly scent of fried chicken. I’m convinced they point their fryer vents toward the parking lot, pumping out the aroma of crispy fried chicken that dissolves willpower on contact, rendering shoppers powerless to resist leaving without a box.
I’ve eaten my fair share of Publix chicken tenders (sometimes before I even leave the store parking lot), but I’ve never analyzed it from a critical perspective. Few Southern chains have a more fervent following than Publix. But is their fried chicken really that good? I’m taking off my hungry hat and putting on my food critic hat to take a closer look.
Taste Test: Fried Chicken Tenders
My love for Publix fried chicken tenders is no secret. They’re the ultimate convenience, ready to make you the star of the potluck, tailgate, or brunch with no more effort than pulling out your wallet.
Publix chicken tenders are HUGE. I’d say that one is really all you need, but I’ve never eaten just one chicken tender in my life. Part of their bulky size comes from their double-dredge—probably 30 percent of their weight comes from those crispy layers of fried breading.
Speaking of breading, Publix’s signature combination of spices and flavorings has a legion of fans. While their ingredient labels are a little cagey on exactly what “spices” are included, they do specify salt, onion powder, dried yeast, paprika, turmeric, and anatto. Those last three are responsible for the signature sunset glow that Publix chicken is known for.
Personally, I find Publix chicken tenders to be nearly perfect; their only flaw is that they’re almost over the top. The breading is wonderfully salty, but there’s a lot of it. However, because the tenders themselves are so large, you almost need it to have the proper chicken-to-crispy ratio. If you’re looking for the actual perfect chicken-to-crispy ratio, keep reading.
Publix
Taste Test: Fried Bone-In Chicken
I realize that not everyone is a fan of bone-in fried chicken, but hear me out. Publix’s bone-in fried chicken is superior to their chicken tenders. Far superior, in fact. The breading ingredients are just the same, but the ratio of chicken-to-crispy is more balanced. Despite the word “tender” being in their name, Publix chicken tenders are actually less tender than their fried bone-in chicken breasts.
And here’s one more bone-us—you know how chicken tenders have that weird, chewy tendon that you have to awkwardly find a way to avoid eating? For a bone-in chicken breast, the tendon is still attached to the bone, so it’s not lurking in a bite of fried chicken. Surprises are not something you want while eating fried chicken, y’all.
The Verdict
You can’t go wrong with Publix fried chicken, but if you want the best fried chicken experience, stick with their bone-in chicken breasts. They’re tender, juicy, crispy, and as close to grandma’s as it gets.
