Demystifying KFC’s Secret Blend of 11 Herbs and Spices

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is world-famous for its finger-lickin’ good fried chicken. The secret to its delicious distinctive flavor is the top-secret blend of 11 herbs and spices developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1940s. For decades, the exact ingredients and ratios of this blend have been a closely guarded trade secret. However over the years, some intriguing clues have emerged that begin to unravel the mystery.

A Brief History of KFC’s 11 Herbs and Spices

Colonel Sanders began selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in 1930. In 1939, after years of experimentation, he perfected his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices to flavor the chicken coating. This Original Recipe chicken was so well-loved that Pete Harman, a friend and restaurateur, began selling it in 1952 as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

KFC was born, and Sanders’ secret blend of 11 herbs and spices became the cornerstone of its global success. According to KFC, the recipe is kept hidden in a vault and known only by a few select employees. Even the manufacturing plants that produce the blend receive only part of the formula to preserve secrecy.

The Colonel’s Nephew Reveals the 11 Herbs and Spices

In 2016, the mystery was partly solved when the Chicago Tribune obtained a handwritten copy of the secret recipe. It was given to them by Joe Ledington, Colonel Sanders’ nephew, from an old family scrapbook. Ledington claimed it contained the original 11 herbs and spices, though KFC denies its authenticity.

According to Ledington’s recipe. the 11 herbs and spices are

• Salt
• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Celery salt
• Black pepper
• Dried mustard
• Paprika
• Garlic salt
• Ground ginger
• White pepper

Paprika and garlic salt are used most liberally, followed by white pepper and celery salt.

Putting the Pieces Together – More Clues Emerge

While Ledington’s list provides tantalizing clues, other tidbits over the years help complete the picture:

• Paprika features prominently, giving KFC its signature reddish-orange color.
• MSG is now admittedly used to enhance umami flavor.
• White pepper adds spicy kick without dark specks.
• Chicken is soaked in buttermilk then double dredged in the spice blend.
• The chicken is pressure fried to seal in juices and flavor.

So while the exact recipe remains elusive, these pieces hint at the secret ingredients that make KFC chicken uniquely delicious.

Why Such Secrecy?

Why has KFC gone to such lengths to protect its secret blend for over 80 years? Some reasons are:

• It provides a competitive advantage no one has been able to replicate.
• The mystique is an invaluable marketing tool that boosts brand recognition.
• Keeping suppliers and blenders in the dark prevents leaks.
• Revealing it could lead to legal issues around trademark protection.

In short, secrecy lets KFC control the unique 11 herbs and spices flavor profile associated worldwide with their brand.

Can You Replicate the KFC Flavor at Home?

While the exact recipe is still locked away, home cooks can now combine the available clues to come surprisingly close. Follow these tips:

• Use Ledington’s 11 herbs and spices as a base recipe.
• Adjust ratios through trial and error, increasing paprika, garlic salt and white pepper.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk before dredging in spice blend.
• Use MSG sparingly to enhance umami flavors.
• Pressure fry or bake chicken to seal in juices and flavor.

With some experimentation, you can now create incredibly close copycat KFC chicken and impress your friends and family. While the secret blends on, sleuthing out clues over the years has brought us closer than ever to unlocking the Colonel’s timeless 11 herbs and spices recipe.