When my family wants fried chicken but I’m short on time, I turn to Publix. These six easy picks help turn that craving into a comforting dinner everyone can enjoy.
Prices were checked at a Publix in Atlanta on November 14; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Publix Deli 8-Piece Mixed Fried Chicken
Sunday-style dinner gets much easier with this hot deli box of two breasts, two wings, two thighs, and two drumsticks. Add two ready-made sides, and there is enough variety for a family table, picnic, or casual gathering.
Taste: The seasoning is savory and flavorful without needing sauce, while the thick, double-breaded crust delivers a substantial crunch. Inside, the meat stays juicy without tasting overly greasy.
Make It Better: Order it fresh when possible, or re-crisp the chicken in an air fryer before serving. I like offering one creamy side and one vegetable alongside it.
Parting Thoughts: Families wanting a classic fried-chicken spread with almost no work will get the most from this box.
2. Publix Deli Fried Chicken Tenders, Hot
Skip the drive-through and turn these large hot tenders into chicken subs with coleslaw, or slice them over a quick dinner salad. They are especially handy when everyone wants to customize dinner with a different sauce.
Taste: The breading is thick, crisp, and boldly savory, with a little spice in the seasoning. The generous coating may feel breading-heavy to some, but it gives each tender plenty of crunch.
Make It Better: Toss the hot tenders with buffalo or hot honey sauce just before serving, then tuck them into sandwiches or build rice bowls.
Parting Thoughts: Worth grabbing for a flexible weeknight dinner, though thin-breading devotees may want another option.
3. Publix Deli Seasoned Potato Wedges – $6.99/lb
A chicken-and-wedges basket at home is the low-effort answer when a crisp, hearty dinner sounds better than a balanced plate. Made to order with one hour’s notice and sold for $6.99 a pound, these wedges pair directly with deli fried chicken.
Taste: Garlic, paprika, and onion give the coating a savory, well-seasoned flavor that echoes the chicken breading. Each thick-cut wedge has a crisp exterior and fluffy potato center.
Make It Better: Set out ranch or gravy for dipping, and add a cool side to cut through the richness.
Parting Thoughts: Choose these for full comfort-food mode, not for the lightest dinner of the week.
4. Publix Deli Macaroni and Cheese – $4.29/lb
Creamy macaroni and cheese turns a few pieces of fried chicken into an instant family supper, with no cooking required. At $4.29 a pound, it is easy to buy the amount that suits a small meal or a larger gathering.
Taste: The cheese flavor is rich and familiar rather than sharp or complicated. Its thick, creamy texture makes a soft contrast to crunchy chicken.
Make It Better: Chop a tender over the top for a fried-chicken mac bowl, then add slaw on the side for something cool and crisp.
Parting Thoughts: Kids and adults can agree on this dependable pairing, even if adventurous cheese lovers may find it straightforward.
5. Publix Deli Coleslaw, Shredded
For a picnic dinner or chicken-tender sandwich, this 16-ounce refrigerated slaw supplies the cool contrast fried food needs. It also makes a hot deli pickup feel more complete without adding another heavy side.
Taste: The finely shredded slaw is crisp and creamy, with a sweet mayonnaise-based flavor. That gentle sweetness helps balance salty, savory chicken without overpowering it.
Make It Better: Pile it directly onto a tender sub instead of serving it beside the sandwich. For a classic plate, keep it cold until dinner so the temperature contrast stays sharp.
Parting Thoughts: The payoff is balance: a fresher-feeling dinner with no extra cooking.
6. Homestyle Cornbread – $5.49
I save this shelf-stable cornbread for nights when fried chicken needs one more side but I do not want another deli container. The $5.49 bread serves about eight, making it practical for a family supper or casual company.
Taste: Its rich, buttery flavor carries a slight sweetness that works well against savory chicken. The loaf is moist and tender with a pleasantly crumbly texture.
Make It Better: Serve it with honey for a sweeter accent, or use the crumbs to catch the flavorful juices left on the plate.
Parting Thoughts: Anyone who likes a slightly sweet note beside salty fried chicken should find this an easy finishing touch.
