Dolly Parton’s Famous Fried Chicken
Have you ever tried Dolly Parton’s Dollywood famous fried chicken? We tried it, from home (not Dollywood), and it DID NOT disappoint! Side note, I hope to visit Dollywood with the fam in the future. I've heard the Dreammore Resort is nothing short of wonderful!
It's no surprise that this recipe is amazing, just like Dolly herself. I found her recipe extremely straight forward and easy to follow. I only did a couple things differently, starting with brining my chicken.
BRINE THE CHICKEN
Dolly''s recipe calls for a whole chicken, sectioned. I used her recipe to fry five pounds of Evan's Meats and Seafoods chicken wings instead.
I started by brining the chicken in a simple sweet tea+kosher salt brine for four hours before I got to frying. There are multiple options when it comes to choosing a brine. Lemonade+kosher salt, pickle juice+sugar, and I could go on. Additionally, you can customize your brine by adding garlic cloves, herbs, and seasonings.
So, what exactly does a brine do and is it necessary? No, it's not a must, but it will seal moisture into your chicken and keeps bone-in chicken from bleeding out during the frying process.
MAKE THE BREADING
Now that our chicken has brined, let's get to breading it! I love Dolly's recipe because the breading process is one step. Most breading processes are three steps (dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breading).
This recipe easily coated five pounds of meaty chicken wings. I use a shallow dish or pie plate to dredge my chicken wings in. Then, I place my coated wings onto a tray covered in wax paper.
BREAD THE CHICKEN
Now, let's get our fry on. I usually fry things outside in my Presto electric skillet. I also have all tools on deck (literally), like tongs, a spider, and a sheet tray with a wire rack to put my chicken on once it's finished frying. Hot grease is not something you want to walk away from to get a tool.
FRY IT UP
All fried up and ready to go, let's eat! It tastes so delicious on its own because the breading makes the flavor pop. If you like to sauce-up your chicken, consider a drizzle of Alabama-style white sauce, honey mustard, or a thick bbq sauce. Checkout Dolly's Dollywood Famous Fried Chicken recipe below. I hope you'll try it!
-XOXO-
Sally
P.S. Dolly, you are and continue to be an inspiration!!
2026 Update: I wrote this recipe and article many years ago in 2020 before Dolly’s passing. Since this was written, my family enjoyed a lovely trip to Dollywood. Dolly was an inspiration to me and many others around the world. Thank you for shining your light Dolly, may you rest in peace!
Dolly Parton’s Famous Fried Chicken
I love how easy Dolly Parton’s famous fried chicken comes together. The breading is a one step process! Can’t get easier than that. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of a brine of your choice
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 whole chicken, sectioned or 5lbs of chicken wings
- 3 cups oil (if using a traditional fryer; no oil if using an air fryer)
- Cooking Spray, such as Pam (if using an air fryer)
Instructions
- Brine your chicken for at least 4 hours.
- Combine all dry ingredients using a whisk. Place mixed dry ingredients in a shallow dish.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until completely coated.
- Once coated, gently shake off excess breading. Allow the breading to sit on the chicken for 30 minutes before frying.
- Heat your oil in a skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place pieces of chicken into preheated oil in skillet.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Follow the instructions above through step 4.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350F. Generously spray your chicken with cooking spray, such as Pam. Air fry for 8 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and spray with cooking spray. Air fry for an additional 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F and the breading is golden brown.