Publix is a popular grocery store chain in the Southeastern United States, known for its quality products and stellar customer service. One of the things that sets Publix apart is its famous fried chicken – juicy, crispy and full of flavor. But what is the secret behind this tasty fried chicken? What exactly does Publix fry their chicken in?
Oil Used for Frying at Publix
According to Publix, their delicious fried chicken is prepared fresh in each store daily using a simple combination of high oleic canola oil and palm oil.
High oleic canola oil is made from canola that has been bred to have higher monounsaturated fats, similar to olive oil. This makes it more stable for high heat cooking methods like frying. It also has less saturated fat than regular canola oil.
Palm oil is derived from the fruit of oil palms. It has very little flavor, making it a versatile cooking oil. It is also naturally high in saturated fats, giving it a higher smoke point and making it suitable for frying.
By combining these two healthy high heat cooking oils, Publix is able to achieve the ideal oil for frying up crispy, golden chicken. The canola brings out flavor while the palm oil provides stability for frying at high temperatures.
Benefits of Using Canola and Palm Oils for Frying
There are a few key reasons why using a canola and palm oil blend is advantageous for preparing Publix’s fried chicken:
High Smoke Points
Both high oleic canola oil and palm oils have smoke points of around 450°F. This high smoke point means the oil won’t burn or smoke until it reaches temperatures well above 400°F. This gives them excellent performance for deep frying where the oil is heated to 350-375°F.
Heat Stability
Palm oil is naturally high in saturated fats which gives it very good oxidative stability at high frying temperatures. The high oleic canola also contains a healthy fatty acid profile that is optimal for frying. This combination allows the oil to withstand the demands of frying all day without degrading.
Neutral Taste
Unlike olive oil or vegetable oil, high oleic canola and palm oil both have very mild flavors. This allows the delicious spices and flavors Publix uses to coat their chicken to shine through rather than being masked by the flavor of the frying oil.
Health Profile
While palm oil is high in saturated fats, when combined with the monounsaturated fat-rich canola, the overall oil mixture has a fatty acid profile that offers a good balance of saturated and unsaturated fats. This makes it healthier than frying in oils high in trans or saturated fats.
Frying Process Used by Publix
Now that we know about the oils, let’s take a look at the process for how Publix fries their famous chicken:
1. Raw Chicken is Coated
Fresh, whole chicken cuts are first lightly coated in a seasoned flour mixture. This helps create a crispy outer crust when fried.
2. Coated Chicken is Submerged in Hot Oil
The floured chicken pieces are lowered into vats of canola and palm oil preheated to 350-375°F. This high heat helps seal in moisture and quickly begins browning the exterior.
3. Chicken is Fried Until Golden Brown
Publix closely monitors frying times and temperatures to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It fries for approximately 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Fried Chicken is Removed and Allowed to Drain
Once fried, the chicken pieces are removed from the oil and allowed to drain on racks or paper. This helps remove any excess surface oil.
5. Chicken is Kept Warm Prior to Serving
After draining, the freshly fried chicken is kept in a warming tray at a safe temperature until it is packaged up and served hot to customers.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for Publix fried chicken made with their signature canola and palm oil frying blend:
| Publix Fried Chicken (3.5 oz) | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drumstick with skin | 230 | 16 | 0 | 15 |
| Breast with skin | 250 | 15 | 0 | 16 |
| Wing with skin | 290 | 21 | 0 | 15 |
| Thigh with skin | 280 | 20 | 0 | 14 |
As you can see, a serving of Publix fried chicken delivers a significant amount of protein with relatively low carbohydrates. And while fried chicken is high in fat and calories overall, frying in a blend of canola and palm oil means it contains less saturated fat than chicken fried in oils like peanut or shortening.
Quality Controls
To maintain the signature taste and quality of their fried chicken, Publix employs a number of quality controls:
Daily Cooking Oil Filtration
The frying oil is filtered daily to remove food debris and impurities that could affect oil quality and flavor over time.
Consistent Oil Temperature Monitoring
Fryers are precisely controlled and oil temperatures closely monitored to prevent overheating or under-frying.
Fresh Ingredients
Chicken and coatings are prepared fresh in store daily rather than relying on frozen pre-fried options.
Employee Training Programs
Publix team members undergo training to adhere to precise frying and preparation procedures.
Why Customers Love Publix Fried Chicken
Publix’s commitment to quality and freshness is why their fried chicken is so adored by customers. Key reasons people love their fried chicken include:
Crispy, Crunchy Coating
The light breading fries up deliciously crisp and crunchy with the ideal texture.
Tender, Juicy Meat
The chicken itself remains perfectly moist and tender – never dried out.
Well-Seasoned
A blend of proprietary seasonings gives their chicken tons of flavor.
Consistent Quality
Customers know they can rely on Publix chicken to deliver the same great taste every time.
Convenience
No need to cook! Customers can enjoy quality fried chicken with no prep or mess.
Affordable Price
At under $7 for an 8-piece mixed pack, it’s a tasty meal at a bargain price.
Conclusion
The key to Publix’s crave-worthy fried chicken is the unique signature blend of high oleic canola oil and palm oil they fry it in. This oil mixture brings out the flavors in their fresh chicken while providing the ideal frying performance. Along with their commitment to quality control and using premium ingredients, the result is fried chicken with a crispy exterior, juicy meat, and addictive flavor profile that keeps customers coming back for more. So next time you visit Publix, make sure to pick up their famous fried chicken for a delicious southern treat.