Publix 12-Piece Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Price, Taste, and Everything In Between

Are you craving some delicious fried chicken without spending a fortune? You’re in luck! Publix’s 12-piece fried chicken is not only mouthwatering but also comes at a wallet-friendly price that might surprise you. As someone who has bought this numerous times for family gatherings, I can tell you it’s worth every penny.

How Much Does Publix 12-Piece Fried Chicken Cost?

The burning question on everyone’s mind: Publix 12-piece fried chicken costs just $8.99. Yes, you read that right! For under ten bucks, you get twelve pieces of perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken. This is honestly one of the best deals you’ll find at any supermarket deli counter.

The price point makes it perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Small gatherings
• Game day parties
• Budget-friendly meal options

What’s Included in the 12-Piece Bucket?

When you pick up a 12-piece fried chicken bucket from Publix, you’re getting a delicious assortment of chicken parts. The typical mix includes:

• Drumsticks
• Thighs
• Wings
• Breasts

The exact distribution might vary slightly depending on availability, but you’ll always get a nice variety of pieces. I usually hope for more thighs and drums (my favorites!), but the mix is generally pretty balanced

Can You Customize Your Chicken Selection?

Unfortunately, Publix typically doesn’t allow you to choose specific pieces for your 12-piece bucket. The assortment comes pre-determined, which helps them maintain that amazing $8.99 price point.

However if you’re looking for more flexibility the Publix Deli department is known for their customer service. You can always ask if they can accommodate special requests, though it may not always be possible during busy times.

Is Publix Fried Chicken Already Seasoned?

Yes! One of the things I love most about Publix fried chicken is that it comes perfectly seasoned with a delicious blend of herbs and spices. The seasoning is a crowd-pleaser that gives each bite a flavorful kick without being too spicy or overwhelming.

The seasoning is applied before frying, which means the flavors are locked into that crispy, crunchy coating. No need for additional seasoning or dipping sauces (though they certainly don’t hurt!).

Ordering Options: Can You Get It Online?

Here’s where things get a little disappointing. Currently, Publix doesn’t offer online ordering specifically for their 12-piece fried chicken. To get your hands on this delicious deal, you’ll need to visit your nearest Publix store in person.

This might seem inconvenient, but there’s a silver lining – visiting the store ensures you get the freshest chicken possible, right from their deli counter!

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions?

Publix occasionally runs promotions on their deli items, including the 12-piece fried chicken. These deals aren’t always advertised widely, so it’s worth:

• Checking the weekly Publix circular
• Asking at the deli counter about current promotions
• Looking for in-store signage about special offers

Sometimes during holiday weekends or special events, you might find the price dropped even lower than the regular $8.99, making it an even better deal.

Is 12 Pieces Enough? Can I Get More?

For most small gatherings or family dinners, 12 pieces is plenty. However, if you’re hosting a larger crowd, you might be wondering if you can get extra pieces.

Good news! Publix offers flexibility in their Deli department. You can:

• Purchase multiple 12-piece buckets
• Ask about larger quantity options
• Sometimes request additional pieces à la carte

When I hosted a Super Bowl party last year, I ended up getting two buckets plus some extra wings, and the deli staff was super accommodating.

Perfect for Gatherings: Feeding a Crowd

Publix’s 12-piece fried chicken is ideal for gatherings of various sizes. For a rough estimate:

• 12 pieces will serve 4-6 people as a main dish
• Can feed 6-8 people if you have plenty of sides
• Works great for 8-12 people as part of a larger spread

For bigger events, just multiply the number of buckets based on your guest count. At $8.99 per bucket, it’s way more affordable than most catering options!

Leftover Love: Reheating Tips

Let’s be real – sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and you might end up with leftover chicken. The good news is that Publix fried chicken reheats beautifully if you do it right.

For best results:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Place chicken on a baking sheet
3. Reheat for 15-20 minutes until hot
4. Avoid the microwave if possible (it makes the coating soggy)

I’ve found that reheated Publix chicken can be almost as good as fresh if you use the oven method. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture definitely suffers.

Alternatives to the 12-Piece Bucket

If the 12-piece bucket isn’t quite what you’re looking for, Publix offers several alternatives:

• Smaller packs of fried chicken
• Chicken wing platters
• Chicken tender trays
• Hot rotisserie chickens

These options provide flexibility depending on your specific needs and preferences. I sometimes grab the tenders for my kids, who prefer them over bone-in pieces.

Not Just Chicken: Side Dish Pairings

While the chicken alone is a great deal at $8.99, don’t forget to consider some delicious sides to complete your meal! Publix deli offers plenty of options that pair perfectly with their fried chicken:

• Potato salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Mashed potatoes and gravy

Adding a couple of these sides creates a complete meal that’s still incredibly affordable compared to restaurant prices.

Dietary Considerations

It’s important to note that Publix’s 12-piece fried chicken is not suitable for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. Additionally, since it’s breaded and fried, it’s not gluten-free.

If you have dietary restrictions but still want to enjoy a Publix deli meal, consider asking about:

• Rotisserie chicken (for gluten-sensitive individuals)
• Various deli salads (some are vegetarian)
• Fresh fruit options

Can You Call Ahead to Reserve Your Chicken?

While Publix doesn’t technically offer a reservation system for their 12-piece fried chicken, there are some workarounds:

• Arriving early in the day often ensures availability
• Some locations might hold an order if you call ahead (though this isn’t official policy)
• Weekdays typically have better availability than weekends

I’ve had mixed results with calling ahead – sometimes the deli staff are super helpful, other times they say you just have to come in and see what’s available.

The Value Proposition: Why It’s Worth It

At $8.99 for 12 pieces of quality fried chicken, Publix offers one of the best values in ready-to-eat meals. Let’s break down why it’s such a good deal:

• Per piece cost: Approximately 75 cents per piece
• Restaurant comparison: Similar quality would cost $15-20 elsewhere
• Cooking time saved: 1-2 hours of prep and cooking
• Convenience factor: Ready to eat immediately

When you factor in the quality, convenience, and taste, it’s easy to see why so many people swear by Publix fried chicken.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been buying Publix fried chicken for years, and it’s become a go-to for those nights when cooking just isn’t happening. The consistent quality and flavour have made it a family favorite.

One time, I was running late for a potluck and grabbed a bucket on the way. Not only did I make it to the event on time, but my contribution was one of the first things to disappear! Several people asked for my “recipe” and were surprised when I admitted it came from Publix.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! Publix 12-piece fried chicken at $8.99 is one of the best values in ready-to-eat food today. The quality consistently exceeds expectations, especially considering the price point.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight, contributing to a potluck, or hosting a casual get-together, this bucket of deliciousness should definitely be on your radar.

Next time you’re near a Publix, stop by the deli counter and treat yourself to some of their famous fried chicken. At less than $9 for a dozen pieces, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Publix fry their chicken fresh daily?
Yes, Publix typically prepares their fried chicken fresh throughout the day.

Is there a best time to buy Publix fried chicken?
Mid-morning to early afternoon often has the freshest selection, before the after-work rush.

Can I use coupons on the 12-piece fried chicken?
Publix occasionally includes deli items in their coupon deals, so it’s worth checking their weekly ad.

How long does Publix fried chicken stay good in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftover Publix fried chicken should be good for 3-4 days.

Is Publix fried chicken better than other grocery stores?
Many customers (myself included!) consider Publix fried chicken superior to other grocery store options due to its consistently crispy coating and flavorful seasoning.