Publix is a popular supermarket chain that’s been around for over 90 years. They offer a variety of products, from groceries to pharmacy items, and even have a deli section that is well-known for their delicious fried chicken.
People all over the South rave about Publix’s fried chicken, but what exactly makes it so memorable? One important factor is the oil that they use. So, what does Publix fry their chicken in?
After some research, we found that Publix uses a blend of corn and cottonseed oil, with soy oil as a possible additive. Inside the oil blend are several preservatives, including TBHQ, citric acid, and dimethylpolysiloxane.
The Ingredients
Corn and cottonseed oil are both commonly used for frying due to their high smoke points, meaning they can handle high temperatures without burning. Soy oil may also be used, which is a healthier option due to its high levels of unsaturated fats.
However, the use of TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is controversial. It’s used as a preservative to prevent rancidity in oils and fats, but studies have linked high doses of TBHQ to a variety of health problems, including liver damage and cancer.
Citric acid is another preservative used to prevent bacterial growth and oxidation. It’s commonly found in many foods and is generally considered safe for consumption. Finally, dimethylpolysiloxane is an antifoaming agent used to prevent oil from splattering during frying.
How Is It Prepared?
Publix’s fried chicken is made fresh in-store daily. According to Publix’s website, the cooking process involves first marinating the chicken in a blend of spices and buttermilk. The chicken is then breaded in a flour mixture and fried in the aforementioned oil blend.
One unique aspect of Publix’s fried chicken is that it’s fried in small batches, ensuring that each piece is cooked evenly and to perfection. It’s also available in various sizes and flavors, including spicy and lemon pepper.
What Are the Nutritional Values?
While Publix’s fried chicken may be delicious, it’s far from healthy. One piece of fried chicken contains around 330 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 990 milligrams of sodium. So, it’s definitely something that should be enjoyed in moderation.
One way to make Publix’s fried chicken a little healthier is to opt for the grilled chicken option, which is lower in calories and fat. Additionally, make sure to pair it with healthy sides, such as a salad or steamed vegetables.
In Conclusion
In summary, Publix’s fried chicken is made with a blend of corn and cottonseed oil, with soy oil as a possible additive. The oil blend contains TBHQ, citric acid, and dimethylpolysiloxane as preservatives and antifoaming agents.
While the ingredients may not be the healthiest, there’s no denying that Publix’s fried chicken is a delicious treat. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and balance it out with healthier options.
FAQ
Does deep-fried mean breaded?
Deep frying and breading are two different cooking techniques that are often used together to prepare various tasty and crispy dishes. While deep frying is a cooking method that involves submerging the food into hot oil or fat until it is cooked and crispy, breading is a coating applied to the food before it is deep fried to enhance the flavor and texture.
It’s important to note that deep frying does not necessarily mean the food has to be breaded. You can deep fry anything without breading, but it may not yield the desired results. For instance, seafood is delicate and cooks quickly, and must be treated in a manner that protects it from aggressive cooking techniques like deep fat frying. That is where breading and batters come in. The breading is a mixture of flour, bread crumbs, and spices that are used to coat the seafood before deep frying.
However, there are some deep-fried dishes that do not require breading, such as French fries, onion rings, and chicken wings. These dishes are usually seasoned with spices and salt before frying to add flavor and texture.
It’S important to note that deep frying and breading are two different cooking techniques that are often used together to create delicious and crispy dishes. While breading is not necessary for deep frying, it’s a common practice to enhance the flavor and texture of certain foods, especially seafood.
Is breaded same as fried?
When it comes to cooking methods, understanding the differences between them is important. One cooking confusion that people often have is whether breaded is the same as fried. The answer is no. Breaded and fried are two separate cooking methods that can be used together or separately.
Breading is a process that involves coating food, such as chicken, fish or vegetables, with seasoned breadcrumbs or flour. The coating adds flavor and texture to the food and also helps to seal in the moisture during cooking. The breading can be done using different techniques, including egg wash, milk wash or butter. Breaded food can be cooked using various methods, such as baking, shallow frying or pan-frying in just a small amount of oil.
On the other hand, frying is a process of cooking food in hot oil until it is crispy and brown. Fried foods can be breaded, such as fried chicken or onion rings, but they can also be battered or not coated at all. Deep-frying is a common method of frying, where the food is submerged in hot oil, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender interior.
While breaded and fried food may look similar in appearance, they differ in the cooking method and technique used. Breading provides a crispy coating to the food and is often used as an additional step before frying. On the other hand, frying is a cooking method that involves cooking the food in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown.
Breaded and fried are two separate cooking methods that can be used together or separately. While they may appear the same in appearance, the cooking techniques used are distinct and result in different textures and tastes. Whether you choose to bread or fry your food, each cooking method provides a unique flavor and texture that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
