In the world of grocery store delis, few items spark as much debate as fried chicken.
It’s the ultimate comfort food—crispy, juicy, and ready to grab on a busy day.
Two Southern giants, Kroger and Publix, dominate the scene with their hot-and-ready offerings.
But which one reigns supreme? We dove into taste tests and more to settle the score. Spoiler: It’s a close cluck, but one chain edges out the other.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Kroger, with its widespread presence across the U.S., rolled out an upgraded Home Chef fried chicken line in recent years. It’s double-breaded, hand-dipped, and boasts 18 spices for that extra kick. Priced around $8.99 for an eight-piece mixed box, it’s marketed as a budget-friendly option with bold flavors.
Publix, the beloved Florida-based chain that’s expanded northward, has long been hailed for its deli staples. Their fried chicken comes in a simple black box, often praised for its brine-infused juiciness. An eight-piece mix runs about $10.99, but fans swear it’s worth every penny.
Both are available hot or cold, but the real magic happens when they’re fresh from the fryer. Nutrition-wise, Publix packs more protein per thigh (40g vs. Kroger’s 18g) but also higher calories and sodium.
The Expert Taste Test: What the Pros Say
A detailed taste test pitted the two head-to-head with a panel of three James Beard-nominated chefs. They evaluated dark meat pieces (thighs and drumsticks) on appearance, texture, and flavor, rating on a 1-10 scale.
- Appearance: Kroger stole the show with larger pieces and a reddish tint from paprika, scoring an average 9/10. Publix’s golden, consistent look earned an 8/10.
- Texture: Publix shone with light, crispy breading that held up even when cold. Kroger’s was craggy and crunchy but sometimes doughy, like uncooked flour.
- Flavor: This is where Publix pulled ahead. Its aggressive salt, pepper, and brine penetrated to the bone for deep, balanced taste (8.5/10 average). Kroger had a strong celery salt and pickle brine vibe—reminiscent of Chick-fil-A—but it felt surface-level and underseasoned (5-6/10).
- Overall Winner: Publix, hands down. The chefs noted Kroger’s visual appeal but criticized its lack of depth, suggesting it needed sauce to shine.
In other rankings, Publix ranked high among grocery store fried chickens nationwide, praised for its rumored superiority. It’s often called the “clear favorite” based on widespread raves.
Customer Reviews: The People’s Verdict
The consensus leans toward Publix having a loyal following, but Kroger has its defenders, especially on price and seasoning. Some call Kroger’s version “overbreaded, over salted, overfried, and vastly inferior,” while others praise it as “the best I’ve ever had.” Price often comes up, with Kroger noted for deals like an eight-piece for $4.99, though many agree Publix’s deli food is “a million times better.” Opinions vary on specifics like tenders or wings, with some preferring Kroger for bold flavors and others Publix for consistency.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s break it down aspect by aspect in a straightforward showdown:
- Price: Kroger offers an eight-piece for $8.99 (often on sale for less), making it the more budget-friendly pick. Publix comes in at $10.99 for the same.
- Appearance: Kroger features larger pieces with an appealing reddish hue from spices. Publix keeps it consistent with a classic golden color, though the pieces are a bit smaller but uniform.
- Texture: Kroger delivers a crispy, craggy breading that can sometimes turn doughy. Publix wins here with light, crunchy coating that stays crisp even when cooled.
- Flavor: Kroger brings surface-level seasoning with notes of celery salt and herbs, plus a pickle-like brine. Publix excels with deep brine penetration and a balanced salt-and-pepper kick that reaches the bone.
- Nutrition (per thigh): Kroger clocks in at 210 calories, 15g fat, 620mg sodium, and 18g protein. Publix is heartier at 350 calories, 21g fat, 710mg sodium, and 40g protein.
- Best For: If you’re after budget buys and bold initial flavors, go with Kroger. For everyday indulgence and reliable quality, Publix is the choice.
Publix edges out in flavor and texture across most takes, but Kroger shines on value and visuals.
The Final Cluck: Who’s Worth It?
After considering expert tests and everyday opinions, Publix takes the crown for the best fried chicken. Its juicy, well-seasoned pieces have built a devoted following that Kroger’s upgrade hasn’t quite toppled yet. That said, if you’re watching your wallet or craving something with a Chick-fil-A twist, Kroger’s a solid contender—especially on sale.
Ultimately, taste is subjective. Head to your local deli, grab a box from each, and decide for yourself. Just don’t forget the sides—Publix’s key lime pie or Kroger’s lemonade could sway the vote!
