Hey there! This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!
Jump to Recipe
Print Recipe
KFC Chicken Recipe is a global favorite, celebrated for its crispy golden coating and tender, flavorful chicken. This recipe brings the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken experience to your home, combining a secret blend of spices with simple cooking techniques. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, it’s a delicious way to enjoy that world-famous taste without leaving your kitchen. Whether you deep fry, air fry, or bake, this homemade version is sure to satisfy your cravings for the ultimate comfort food.
Golden brown KFC-style fried chicken on a wire rack.
If you love experimenting with fried chicken, try adapting this KFC Chicken Recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Air Fryer Chicken Legs. These methods offer a healthier twist while retaining crispy, juicy perfection. For a different texture, explore our Chicken Cutlet Recipe, ideal for sandwiches or snacks!
The Allure of KFC Fried Chicken
The craving for fried chicken recipes often boils down to one iconic brand: KFC. Known globally, the chain has mastered the art of crispy, flavorful fried chicken that’s nearly impossible to replicate—until now.
What Makes KFC Chicken Recipe So Iconic?
The allure of KFC fried chicken lies in its irresistible combination of tender, juicy meat and a crispy, flavorful coating. It’s not just the fried chicken recipe but the unique blend of spices, perfected over decades, that sets it apart.
What Sets the Original KFC Chicken Recipe Apart?
The charm of KFC’s original recipe lies in its perfect balance of taste and texture. The chicken is tender and juicy, thanks to a well-kept marination process. The crust, on the other hand, is crunchy and packed with the flavors of their secret spice blend, famously containing 11 herbs and spices.
Even the Chicago Tribune has attempted to decode the mystery behind this celebrated recipe. While the exact formula remains a secret, this guide incorporates ingredients and techniques that come strikingly close.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for KFC Copycat Chicken Recipe
To achieve that authentic KFC fried chicken taste, you’ll need:
Chicken: You can use drumsticks, wings, thighs, or chicken breasts, ensuring they are fresh and trimmed.
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the breading.
Spices: A precise mix of paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and other seasonings.
Buttermilk: For tenderizing the meat during the marination process.
Oil: A neutral oil, like vegetable or peanut oil, for deep frying.
The Secret Spice Blend for KFC Fried Chicken
The unique spice blend gives KFC fried chicken its unmistakable flavor. Here’s the spice mix you’ll need:
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Half of this blend goes into the flour coating, while the other half is used in the buttermilk marinade.
Preparing the Chicken: Cleaning and Marinating
Cleaning the Chicken
Before you begin, wash the chicken thoroughly under cold water. Trim any excess fat and separate the leg away from the body if you’re using whole chicken pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
The key to replicating Kentucky Fried Chicken is a good marinade.
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk with half the spice blend.
Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
Chicken pieces marinating in buttermilk and spices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Breading
Ingredients for Breading
2 cups all-purpose flour
Remaining spice blend
A pinch of baking powder
Coating the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess buttermilk drip off.
Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
For a thicker crust, repeat the process by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour again.
Frying Techniques: Deep Fryer vs. Air Fryer
Deep Frying
For the most authentic results, use a deep fryer:
Preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd.
Fry each piece for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Frying
A healthier option is using an air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil.
Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Ensuring Golden Brown Perfection
To get that signature crispy crust:
Maintain the oil temperature consistently. If it drops too low, the chicken may absorb excess oil.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack after frying to preserve the crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Marination: This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.
Uneven Coating: Ensure the flour sticks evenly for a consistent crust.
Coated chicken ready for frying.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade KFC copycat chicken with these classic sides:
Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy
Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
Biscuits or cornbread
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Generally, this keeps the chicken fresh while preserving its flavors.
Reheating: For best results, use an oven or air fryer to reheat and restore the crunch. Also, these methods avoid making the chicken soggy. But, frying it again may lead to an oily texture.
Healthier Alternatives to Fried Chicken
If you’re looking for lighter options:
Baked Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Also, this method ensures even cooking. But, the chicken won’t be as crispy as fried. Generally, it’s a healthier preparation choice.
Gluten-Free Coating: Substitute almond flour or a gluten-free mix for the breading. Accordingly, so this provides a suitable alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Chicken frying in hot oil in a deep fryer.
What is KFC Chicken Batter Made Of?
KFC chicken batter is a mix of all-purpose flour, a blend of 11 secret herbs and spices, and a leavening agent like baking powder. The spices include paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, white pepper, and others that enhance the flavor while the flour provides the crispy texture.
How Do They Make the Chicken at KFC?
KFC starts by marinating the chicken in a seasoned buttermilk mixture to tenderize it. The chicken is then dredged in the signature flour and spice mix, double-breaded for extra crunch, and deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown. Some locations also use pressure frying for faster cooking and juicier chicken.
What Is the Ingredient List for KFC Chicken?
The essential ingredients include chicken pieces, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, white pepper, dried thyme, oregano, celery salt, and baking powder. Basically, buttermilk is used for marination, and vegetable oil or shortening is used for frying.
What Is Colonel Sanders’ Recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Colonel Sanders’ original recipe is famously known for its 11 secret herbs and spices. While the exact blend remains a trade secret, the Chicago Tribune published a version said to include paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, ground ginger, white pepper, and several other common seasonings.
What Makes KFC Chicken So Tender?
The secret lies in the marination process. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk mixed with spices helps break down proteins, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor. Additionally, the pressure-frying technique locks in moisture while cooking the chicken evenly.
Air fryer basket with crispy
What Cooking Oil Does Kentucky Fried Chicken Use?
KFC typically uses a blend of vegetable oils, often including canola and soybean oil. So, this oil blend has a high smoke point, ensuring the chicken gets its signature golden brown crispiness.
Why Did KFC Stop Using “Kentucky Fried Chicken”?
KFC rebranded to avoid the word “fried,” which was associated with unhealthy eating habits. The abbreviated name emphasizes the modern, fast-food identity while still connecting to its roots in Kentucky-style cooking.
How to Do the KFC Secret Menu?
To access KFC’s secret menu, customers often use mobile apps or directly ask staff about off-menu items. Generally, these include unique creations like “Triple Down” sandwiches or exclusive regional recipes, but availability varies by location.
What Did Sanders Cook His Chicken Instead of Water?
Colonel Sanders famously used pressure frying instead of boiling or traditional frying methods. This method uses steam created from the chicken’s natural juices, which enhances tenderness while cooking the meat faster and more evenly.
Serving of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
Why Is KFC Chicken So Crispy?
The crispiness of KFC chicken is a result of its double-breading process. The chicken is coated twice in the seasoned flour mixture, creating a thicker crust. Deep frying at the right temperature ensures a crunchy, golden brown exterior while the inside remains juicy.
Homemade Dipping Sauces
Enhance your KFC copycat chicken with these delicious dips:
Honey Mustard: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise.
Garlic Aioli: Combine minced garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
Spicy BBQ: A blend of BBQ sauce and hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Why Homemade Kfc Chicken Recipe?
Making fried chicken recipes at home is more than just a culinary experiment. It allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and save money. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in creating a dish that tastes just like the original Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Close-up of the crispy crust on fried chicken.
FAQs About Kfc Chicken Recipe
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken works well but cooks faster, so keep an eye on it.
What is the best oil for frying chicken?
Oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or canola oil, are ideal for deep frying. Also, they prevent the chicken from burning. But, it’s important to monitor the oil temperature closely.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double-coat the chicken in the flour mixture and ensure the oil is hot before frying.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative for a healthier version. Also, it retains much of the flavor. But, the texture may differ slightly. Generally, it’s a preferred method for health-conscious individuals.
What makes KFC’s chicken so flavorful?
The blend of 11 herbs and spices, combined with a precise marination process, is the key to its unique taste. Accordingly, so many people try to replicate this iconic flavor at home.
