KFC-style fried chicken is a delicious iconic comfort food that people love all over the world. The secret 11 herb and spice blend combined with the crispy coating creates a flavor that is hard to duplicate at home. However with some simple tricks and the right technique, you can make fried chicken with that signature KFC crunch and flavor right in your own kitchen.
The Key to KFC’s Signature Crispiness
The extreme crispiness of KFC chicken sets it apart from other fried chicken. This texture comes primarily from the cooking method KFC uses industrial pressure fryers that allow the chicken to cook fast at a high temperature. The high heat quickly browns the outside coating while keeping the interior juicy
While most home cooks don’t have access to commercial pressure fryers, you can mimic the quick, crispy KFC fry by using a heavy pot or Dutch oven filled with oil Use a deep fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F as you fry the chicken in batches This high heat ensures the coating browns quickly without overcooking the interior.
How to Bread Chicken Like KFC
Breading is another essential key to recreating the KFC crispiness. Start with chicken parts rather than a whole bird so you get the right ratio of white and dark meat. Cutting up a chicken yourself can help reduce costs as well.
KFC uses a three-step breading method:
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Seasoned Flour: The flavor starts with a blend of 11 herbs and spices mixed into the flour. Use spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and more.
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Egg Wash: Dipping the floured chicken in egg seals the spices to the meat and provides a tacky surface for the crust to stick to.
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Final Dredge: Coat again in the seasoned flour for an extra thick, super crispy crust.
Apply pressure as you coat the chicken to really pack on the seasoning blend. Some cooks insist letting the chicken rest before frying helps the coating adhere better, but KFC fries immediately for optimum crispness.
KFC Seasoning Secrets
The unique blend of 11 herbs and spices is the backbone of KFC’s distinctive flavor. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, home cooks have come up with spice blends that replicate the taste. Most copycat recipes include these seasonings:
- Salt
- White pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder
- Celery salt
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme
The key flavor trick is also adding MSG (monosodium glutamate). This controversial additive boosts umami flavor. A small amount of MSG makes homemade fried chicken taste just like KFC!
KFC-Inspired Side Dishes
Of course, you can’t have KFC-style fried chicken without the classic sides! Complete the meal with homemade versions of:
- Coleslaw
- Buttery biscuits
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Macaroni and cheese
- Corn on the cob
Cool ranch dipping sauce and pickles also make great additions to round out your fried chicken feast.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy KFC Copycat Chicken
Follow these tips for fried chicken success:
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Use chicken on the bone for added flavor and juiciness. Thighs, drumsticks, and wings work best.
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Dry chicken thoroughly before breading to help the coating stick.
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Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispness without overcooking.
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Fry in batches to keep the oil hot. Don’t overcrowd.
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Let chicken rest after frying before serving for juicier meat.
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Use thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
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Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain texture.
How to Make the Perfect KFC Chicken at Home
Follow this simple fried chicken recipe and method for tender, juicy meat coated in an ultra-crisp, flavorful KFC-style crust:
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano, basil, thyme
- Ground white pepper
- Mustard powder
- Celery salt
- MSG (optional)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Canola oil for frying
Instructions:
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Cut chicken into pieces and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Make seasoned flour by whisking together flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, pepper, mustard powder, celery salt, and MSG in a bowl.
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Set up breading station. Place seasoned flour in one bowl, and whisk together milk and eggs in a second bowl.
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Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg wash, then back into the flour, pressing to adhere.
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Heat 2-3 inches oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
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Fry chicken in batches about 6-10 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and meat juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
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Drain fried chicken on a paper towel-lined wire rack. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
With the right preparation and frying method, you can absolutely make insanely crispy, juicy, flavorful fried chicken just like KFC in your own kitchen. Dip chicken in the custom blend of herbs and spices, then fry up until golden and delicious. Your family will devour this homemade version of a fast food classic!
Marinating and Breading the Chicken
- 1 Cut the chicken apart into 10 pieces. You will need: 2 wings, 2 legs (drumsticks), 2 thighs, and 2 breasts. Cut each chicken breast in half so that you have 4 breast pieces total.[7] Try to use a chicken that is around 3 pounds (1.4 kg).[8]
- You can also buy chicken pieces separately. For example, you could use 10 chicken breasts.
- Leave the skin on the chicken pieces. This will make it nice and crispy.
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2 Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk for 20 to 60 minutes. If you are short on time, then 20 to 30 minutes will do just fine.[9] A full hour would be much better however. Be sure to marinate the chicken on the counter; if you put it into the fridge, the cold meat will decrease the temperature of the hot oil.[10]
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep the marinade from spoiling.
- If it is very hot in your kitchen, then you could marinate the chicken in the fridge at first, then halfway through the marinating time, transfer it to the counter.
- 3 Dredge the chicken through the flour-spice blend. Take a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, and let the excess mixture drip off. Place the chicken into the spice-flour blend, then flip it over so that both sides get covered. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet.[11]
- Repeat this step for each piece of chicken. Work 1 piece at a time.
- Keep the chicken pieces in the buttermilk until you are ready to dredge them.
- 4 Let the chicken pieces rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Discard any leftover spiced flour. It came into contact with raw meat, so it is no longer safe to use.
- Be sure to discard any leftover buttermilk marinade; its been contaminated by raw meat, so you cant reuse it.
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Community Q&ASearch
- Question What kind of oil does KFC use?
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer According to the KFC website, their products are cooked in canola oil and hydrogenated soybean oil containing TBHQ (a preservative) and citric acid. - Question What are the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer According to an article published in the Chicago Tribune, the 11 herbs and spices were recently revealed to be salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper.
- Question Does KFC pressure cook their fried chicken? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer KFC uses special industrial pressure fryers. These are different from the type of pressure cooker most people have in their home kitchen, however. You’ll have an easier time recreating the recipe in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
- Always use great care when working with hot oil. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
- Do not discard the hot oil down the drain. Pour it into a metal can instead. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
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How To Make KFC Fried Chicken / Recipe Secret Revealed
FAQ
How is KFC fried chicken made?
KFC fried chicken is made by first marinating chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture, then coating them in a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices mixed with flour, and finally pressure frying the chicken until golden brown.
How to make KFC deep fried chicken?
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 15 minutes before frying.
- Heat vegetable shortening to 350 degrees in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
- Fry the chicken in batches until done. …
- Drain the fried chicken on a clean wire cooling rack on a baking sheet.
What are the ingredients used in KFC style fried chicken recipe?
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour/plain flour.
- 1/2 cup cornflour.
- 2-4 tbsp breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes optional.
- 1 tsp. baking powder.
- 1 tsp.
- 1 tsp. paprika powder.
- 1 tsp. red chilli powder or cayenne pepper.
- garlic powder.