Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken (At Home!)
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken in Plymouth, Michigan is a legend. Their crispy, juicy fried chicken is the stuff of comfort food dreams. But what if you could recreate that magic in your own kitchen? Well, you can! Buckle up, because we’re cracking the code on Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces (or your preferred cut)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Honey Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Let’s Cook!
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Gently submerge your chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure they’re evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Bread the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour. Dredge each marinated chicken piece thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat Up the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Time! Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Pro-Tip: To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Once golden brown, transfer the chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Honey Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Heat over low heat until the glaze thickens slightly. Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken for a touch of sweet and savory goodness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken with your favorite comfort food sides. Mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or steamed vegetables are all excellent choices. Don’t forget Lee’s signature honey butter biscuits – they’re the perfect way to soak up any leftover glaze or gravy!
There you have it! Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, made right at home. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers that crispy, juicy flavor you know and love. So next time you’re craving some Plymouth-style comfort food, skip the drive-thru and whip up a batch in your own kitchen!
Lee’s Famous Recipe: Beyond the Chicken (Sides and Biscuits!)
We conquered the chicken, but a true Lee’s Famous Recipe experience isn’t complete without their incredible sides and honey butter biscuits. Don’t worry, these are just as simple to make at home!
Honey Butter Biscuits
These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to any fried chicken feast.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring until just a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds from the dough. Arrange the biscuits on your prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and honey. Brush the warm biscuits with the honey butter glaze as soon as they come out of the oven.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No chicken dinner is complete without a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s a simple recipe to achieve that perfect texture.
- Ingredients:
- 4-5 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and butter until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried chicken. Here’s a quick and easy coleslaw recipe.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now you have a complete Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken feast! Crispy chicken, fluffy biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, and refreshing coleslaw – all made from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!