It is known for homemade-style cooking and fresh chicken. Every piece is honey-dipped, hand-breaded, and pressure-cooked for the perfect crunch.
With over 130 locations across the USA, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken remains a favorite for Southern-style fried chicken. If you want a delicious and satisfying meal, Lee’s is the place to go.
Satisfy your cravings with Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken! Learn how to enjoy their delicious and crispy menu items in this quick guide.
The History of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken!
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has been a favorite among fried chicken lovers since 1966. Founded by Lee Cummings, the nephew of Colonel Harland Sanders (the founder of KFC), the brand carries on a legacy of quality and tradition.
The first restaurant opened in Lima, Ohio, and quickly expanded across the United States.
Lee’s is known for using honey-dipped, hand-breaded, and pressure-cooked chicken. It is the perfect blend of crispiness and juiciness. Over the years, it has gained a loyal following for its homestyle approach to fried chicken.
Top Favorite Dishes at Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken!
The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering chicken dishes and hearty Southern sides. Here are some of the most popular items:
- 🍗 Famous Recipe Chicken: The signature hand-breaded, honey-dipped, pressure-cooked chicken put Lee’s on the map. It’s available in classic or spicy variations.
- 🔥 Spicy Chicken: For those who love a little heat, Lee’s Spicy Chicken is marinated with a special blend of spices before being fried to perfection.
- 🍗 Chicken Strips: Tender, juicy chicken tenders coated in crispy, golden breading. Perfect for dipping!
- 🥔 Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: A Southern staple, made with creamy potatoes and rich, savory gravy.
- 🍞 Biscuits & Honey Butter: Lee’s biscuits are flaky, buttery, and slightly sweet, served with honey butter for the perfect finish.
- 🥗 Coleslaw: A cool, creamy, and slightly tangy side dish that pairs well with the crispy chicken.
Experience the Crispy Goodness of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken!
It has built a loyal following due to its unique cooking process, which creates a perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. Unlike many fast-food chains that rely on mass production techniques, It focuses on quality, flavor, and texture with a careful, step-by-step preparation process.
The Secret Behind Lee’s Crispy and Juicy Chicken is because of three essential cooking techniques that ensure every bite is flavorful, crispy, and moist:
Honey-Dipped – The Secret to Moist & Flavorful Chicken
One of the biggest differentiators of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is its honey-dipping process. Before the chicken is breaded, each piece is lightly dipped in a special honey mixture. This technique serves multiple purposes:
- Enhances Moisture Retention: The honey acts as a natural humectant, which means it helps lock in moisture.
- Adds a Subtle Sweetness: The hint of honey complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Aids in the Breading Process: The honey allows the breading to adhere better to the chicken.
Hand-Breaded – Ensuring a Homemade Feel & Texture!
After being dipped in honey each piece of chicken is carefully hand-breaded using a signature blend of seasoned flour and spices. Unlike mass-produced chicken that goes through automated breading machines, Lee’s team individually coats every piece.
- Non-Uniform Crunch: The hand-breading technique results in a more textured, golden-brown crust, rather than a thin or artificial-looking coating.
- Locks in the Seasoning: Because each piece is breaded by hand, the flavors fully adhere to the chicken, ensuring that every bite is well-seasoned.
- Feels Like Homemade Fried Chicken: The process mimics traditional Southern-style fried chicken.
Hand-breading is one of the biggest reasons why Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is fresher.
Pressure-Cooked – The Key to Juicy & Tender Chicken!
While most fried chicken chains deep-fry their chicken in open fryers, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken uses a pressure-cooking method. Pressure frying is an advanced technique that cooks chicken faster and more evenly while retaining its natural juices.
- Locks in Juiciness Without Excess Oil: Unlike traditional deep frying, pressure-cooking seals in moisture without making the chicken excessively greasy.
- Cooks Chicken Evenly: The pressurized environment ensures that each piece is fully cooked to perfection.
- Reduces Cooking Time Without Sacrificing Flavor: The process cooks chicken at a higher temperature with less time, allowing flavors to develop fully while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
This method prevents the chicken from being greasy or overly dry, making it one of the best-fried chicken experiences in the country.
A Culinary Journey Through Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken’s Menu!
Whether you crave crispy, juicy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes or a flaky biscuit with gravy, Lee’s has something for everyone. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken offers a delicious and diverse menu that caters to fried chicken lovers, comfort food enthusiasts, and families looking for a hearty meal.
🍗 Chicken Meals – The Star of the Show!
Lee’s is best known for its perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken which is available in various styles to suit every preference.
1. Famous Recipe Chicken:
Lee’s signature dish this hand-breaded, honey-dipped, pressure-cooked chicken is packed with Southern flavors and has a golden, crispy crust. It’s available in classic or spicy variations.
Meal Options:
✔️ 2-Piece, 3-Piece, or 4-Piece Meals – Served with a choice of sides and a biscuit.
✔️ 8-Piece & 12-Piece Family Meals – Perfect for sharing, with large portions of chicken and sides.
2. Spicy Chicken:
For those who love a little extra heat, Lee’s Spicy Chicken is marinated in a bold blend of spices before being fried to crispy perfection. It’s the ideal choice for fans of flavorful, slightly spicy fried chicken.
3. Chicken Strips:
If you prefer boneless chicken, Lee’s Chicken Strips are juicy, tender and coated in the same famous batter as the bone-in chicken. They’re great for dipping in honey mustard, BBQ sauce or ranch.
Meal Options:
✔️ 3-Piece or 5-Piece Strip Meals – Comes with sides and a biscuit.
✔️ Family-Size Chicken Strips – Perfect for sharing with friends or family.
4. Livers & Gizzards (For the True Southern Experience)
A Southern delicacy, Lee’s Fried Livers & Gizzards are deep-fried to crispy perfection and served with signature dipping sauces.
✔️ Loved by fans of traditional Southern cuisine.
✔️ A crunchy, flavorful snack for those who want to try something unique.
🥗 Sides & Extras – Comfort Food at Its Best!
Lee’s sides are just as famous as its chicken! Each side dish is freshly prepared to complement the rich, crispy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with savory, homemade-style gravy. This is a must-try classic that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
- Coleslaw: A cool, refreshing coleslaw with a balance of sweetness and tanginess, perfect for cutting through the richness of the fried chicken.
- Green Beans: A lighter, healthier side option, cooked with Southern seasonings to add depth and flavor.
- Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, Lee’s Mac & Cheese is rich and smooth, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
- French Fries: Golden, crispy fries that are lightly salted and perfect for dipping.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy, and buttery, Lee’s Corn on the Cob is a great side dish to balance the savory flavors of the meal.
- Fried Okra: A Southern classic, fried until crispy and served hot.
- Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy, cheesy, and crunchy, these poppers are great for those who love a little kick with their meal.
Biscuits & Gravy – A Must-Try Southern Treat!
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits: Lee’s buttermilk biscuits are soft, flaky, and buttery, served warm with honey butter or gravy.
- Biscuits & Gravy: A Southern staple, Lee’s biscuits are smothered in rich, creamy sausage gravy, creating a warm, comforting dish.
🥤 Drinks & Desserts – The Perfect Finish
No meal is complete without a refreshing drink or a sweet treat!
- Sweet Tea & Soft Drinks: Lee’s serves classic Southern sweet tea, along with a variety of soft drinks to complement your meal.
- Lemonade: A tangy, refreshing drink, great for cutting through the richness of fried chicken.
- Fruit Pies: Warm, flaky fruit pies filled with sweet apple or cherry filling, perfect for a delicious dessert.
- Brownies & Cookies: Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies and brownies for those who need a chocolate fix after their meal.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Locations in the USA!
It has been a favorite for crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken since 1966. With over 130 locations across the U.S., the brand continues to serve Southern-style comfort food to loyal customers.
📍 States with Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Locations:
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken operates in multiple states, with Ohio leading the count in total locations. Here’s a breakdown:
State | Number of Locations | Major Cities |
Ohio | 40+ | Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton |
Kentucky | Multiple | Lexington, Louisville |
Indiana | Multiple | Indianapolis, Evansville |
Tennessee | 3 | Alcoa, Milan, Oneida |
Virginia | 1 | Richmond |
South Carolina | 1 | Rock Hill |
Missouri | Multiple | St. Louis, Kansas City |
Michigan | Multiple | Detroit, Grand Rapids |
Florida | Multiple | Orlando, Tampa |
Illinois | Multiple | Chicago, Springfield |
Alabama | Multiple | Birmingham, Huntsville |
Georgia | Multiple | Atlanta, Macon |
🔍 How to Find a Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Near You:
If you’re craving Lee’s signature hand-breaded, honey-dipped, pressure-cooked chicken, here’s how to find the nearest location:
Method | How It Works |
Official Website | Enter your city or ZIP code in the store locator to find nearby restaurants. |
Google Maps / Apple Maps | Search for “Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken” to get directions, hours, and contact details. |
Delivery Apps | Apps like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats show available locations and delivery options. |
Social Media | Some locations post updates, special deals, and new store openings on Facebook & Instagram. |
🚗 Delivery & Takeout Options:
Lee’s offers multiple ways to enjoy their crispy, flavorful chicken, whether you dine in, order takeout, or opt for delivery.
Service | Description |
Dine-In | Enjoy freshly prepared meals in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. |
Takeout | Order ahead via phone or website and pick up your meal at the restaurant. |
Delivery | Get Lee’s chicken delivered to your doorstep via Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. |
Catering | Large orders for events, parties, and family gatherings. Pre-order recommended. |
FAQs About Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken:
What is on the Lee’s 16-piece meal?
The 16-piece meal includes 16 pieces of Famous Recipe Chicken with four large sides and eight biscuits. It is designed for family-sized dining.
What sauces does Lee’s have for fried chicken?
Lee’s offers Honey Mustard BBQ Ranch Buffalo and Chipotle Ranch as dipping sauces for fried chicken.
What are dippers at Lee’s Chicken?
Dippers are boneless chicken strips that are hand-breaded and fried. They are served with a choice of dipping sauce.
Does Lee’s Famous Recipe have specials?
Yes, Lee’s offers limited-time specials combo deals and discounts on family meals. Visit their website or check with a local store for current offers.
Conclusion:
Crispy and juicy chicken is always a great choice. Each piece is hand-breaded and cooked for the perfect crunch. Honey-dipped coating adds a slight sweetness. Pressure cooking keeps the chicken tender and full of flavor. The menu has something for everyone. Classic fried chicken is a favorite. Spicy tenders and boneless dippers add variety.
Sides like mashed potatoes and biscuits make every meal complete. Locations are spread across the USA. Customers can dine in, order takeout, or get delivery. Fresh ingredients and homemade-style cooking make every bite delicious. For a meal that is always satisfying, choose Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.