Lees Famous Recipe Chicken e | Crispy & Juicy Copycat

Whenever I’m craving that classic Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken flavor, I love whipping up this easy baked chicken recipe at home. It’s juicy, full of savory goodness, and topped with a creamy garlic-cheese sauce that takes it over the top.

The best part? You don’t need a fryer or complicated steps, just a simple marinade, a hot oven, and a little love. This recipe gives you that crispy, golden outside with a tender inside, just like the famous restaurant version.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this recipe hits the spot every time. And trust me, once that cream cheese sauce melts into the chicken, you’ll want seconds.

Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions

Prep the Chicken

I always start by giving the chicken a good rinse under cold water. Then, I pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives the chicken that golden-brown finish.

Season & Marinate

Place the chicken inside a large mixing bowl or a sturdy plastic bag. Add the oil, chopped onions, minced garlic, red pepper, and salt. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and give it a good shake, almost like letting the chicken dance! This step ensures every part of the chicken is coated with flavor. Let it marinate while the oven preheats.

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for baking chicken to perfection, crispy outside, juicy inside.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the seasoned chicken onto a greased baking pan or roasting dish. Please place it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This helps it cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden color.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken bakes, I mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic and a touch of my favorite spices. Blend until smooth. This creamy mixture will become the perfect topping that melts right over the chicken.

Finish & Serve

Once the chicken is baked, spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes just to let the sauce warm and melt into the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is so versatile that I can serve it in countless ways:

• With classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac & cheese.
  
• Over a bed of buttery rice or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
  
• Paired with warm dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up that creamy garlic sauce.
  
• For gatherings, I like to slice the chicken into portions and serve it family-style on a big platter.
  

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the skin crispy.
  
• Freezing: You can freeze baked chicken portions (without the cream cheese topping) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
  
• Meal Prep Idea: Bake extra chicken, shred it, and use it for wraps, sandwiches, or salads during the week.

Lees Famous Recipe Chicken

Craving juicy, tender, and flavor-packed chicken? My version of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken brings that homestyle taste straight to your kitchen. With a simple marinade of garlic, onion, red pepper, and a creamy cheese topping, this dish is baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with fresh herbs. It’s the perfect comfort meal for family dinners or weekend gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Calories: 320

Ingredients Video Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Chicken Ingredients

• 1 large whole chicken (washed and patted dry)
• ½ tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• ½ tablespoonn red pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon salt

Creamy Topping

• 4.5 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• A pinch of mixed spices (paprika, black pepper, or your favorite blend)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or thyme – for garnish)

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

When making Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at home, the right tools will make your cooking process smoother:

1. Large Mixing Bowl / Plastic Bag – for marinating and tossing the chicken with seasonings.
2. Baking Pan or Roasting Dish – to cook the chicken evenly in the oven.
3. Sharp Chef’s Knife – for prepping onions, garlic, and herbs.
4. Measuring Spoons – to get the seasoning just right.
5. Hand Mixer or Whisk – to blend the cream cheese mixture smoothly.
6. Tongs or Spatula – for flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.
7. Oven Thermometer (Optional) – ensures your oven stays at 350°F for even baking. 

FAQ – Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

What makes Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken different from regular fried chicken?

Lee’s chicken is known for being fresh, never frozen, hand-breaded, and seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices. My homemade version keeps that spirit alive with a simple marinade, creamy garlic topping, and oven-baked golden perfection.

Can I make Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken without cream cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese or swap it for Greek yogurt or sour cream. It still comes out delicious and juicy.

How long does it take to cook Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at home?

From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour (15 minutes prep + 45 minutes cook time). If you’re cooking a larger chicken, add a few extra minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I air fry this recipe instead of baking?

Yes! Place seasoned chicken pieces in an air fryer at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through. It gives you that same crispy outside with less oil.

What sides go best with Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?

Traditional favorites like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac & cheese, biscuits, or green beans pair perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.

How do I reheat leftover chicken without drying it out?

The best way is to reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy and the inside juicy. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the chicken rubbery.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! This recipe works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just adjust the cook time (around 30–35 minutes, depending on the size).

Conclusion

Bringing the tasty Lees Famous Recipe Chicken into my kitchen is always a win. It’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. The blend of garlic, onion, and cream cheese creates that signature homestyle flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or simply treating myself, this recipe never disappoints. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the crispy, golden, and creamy deliciousness of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken right at home.

So, heat your oven, grab those seasonings, and let’s dig in, because nothing says comfort food quite like this classic chicken dish.

Sophia smith

Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.