As a lover of fried chicken, I’m always curious about the secrets behind the unique flavors and textures of different fast food chains And when it comes to fried chicken, one name is synonymous with finger-lickin’ goodness – Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) The Colonel’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices is legendary, but there’s another key ingredient that gives KFC chicken its distinctive crunch – the frying oil.
So what oil does KFC use to fry their chicken and achieve that crispy, golden-brown perfection? Let’s unravel the mysteries behind the Colonel’s cooking process!
The Evolution of KFC’s Frying Oils
KFC’s original recipe developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s called for frying chicken in a combination of oils, including palm oil, soybean oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil.
Palm oil added a rich, creamy mouthfeel, soybean oil provided a clean, neutral flavor, while hydrogenating the soybean oil helped extend the oil’s fry-life and gave the chicken extra crunch.
For decades, this oil blend remained an integral part of KFC’s closely guarded original recipe However, in the early 2000s, concerns around trans fats led KFC to re-evaluate its frying oils.
The Move Away From Artificial Trans Fats
Artificial trans fats like partially hydrogenated oils were increasingly linked to heart disease and banned by the FDA. So in 2007, KFC made the switch from hydrogenated soybean oil to low-linolenic soybean oil (LLSO) for its frying.
LLSO contained zero trans fats and was specially engineered to have high oxidative stability for frying and a neutral taste. By replacing artificial trans fats ahead of the FDA’s deadline, KFC demonstrated a commitment to serving healthier fried chicken.
KFC’s Current Frying Oil Blend
These days, KFC chicken is fried in a blend of oils including:
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Canola Oil: Contributes to the chicken’s golden-brown color and crispy texture. Also relatively low in saturated fat.
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Soybean Oil Adds tenderness and a light, neutral flavor
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Corn Oil: Provides a subtle sweetness and crispiness.
This carefully balanced blend allows KFC to achieve the perfect fried chicken – juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The stability of soybean oil enables extended fry-life while canola oil and corn oil add flavor nuances.
KFC continues fine-tuning its oil blend, decreasing the palm oil component and increasing sustainability.
The Importance of Frying Process & Equipment
Of course, frying oil is just one piece of the crispy chicken puzzle. Equally crucial is KFC’s frying process and equipment.
KFC uses high-tech, computer-controlled pressure fryers to ensure every piece of chicken is cooked under strict time and temperature protocols.
The chicken is submerged in oil preheated to precise specifications. This guarantees the ideal golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior every time.
Regular filtration and oil replacement ensure fresh oil quality. KFC’s cooking process and consistency in oil management are just as essential as the oil blend itself.
The Health Considerations Around Frying Oils
While KFC has eliminated artificial trans fats, the oils used are still high in saturated fats given the nature of deep frying. I always recommend enjoying fried foods like KFC chicken in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For a lighter option, KFC offers grilled chicken and recently introduced plant-based fried ‘chicken’ for those seeking healthier alternatives with a similar crunch and flavor.
KFC’s Commitment to Ingredients Transparency
In recent years, KFC has shared more details about its cooking process and ingredients as customers demand increasing transparency.
Although the exact herb and spice blend remains secret, KFC published its complete list of fried chicken ingredients in 2018, including the oils used. This transparency helps build trust and reassures customers about what goes into their chicken.
The Future of KFC’s Frying Oils
As technology and nutritional understanding evolves, it’s likely KFC will continue modifying its frying oils and process. The company may move towards oils that are more stable with less saturation, though the costs would need to be managed.
Ideally, KFC can find an oil blend as delicious and foolproof as their original, while optimizing nutrition and sustainability. That would be quite an innovation!
The Takeaway: It’s All About Balance
When it comes to the perfect fried chicken, KFC’s secret lies in its carefully balanced blend of frying oils. The oil combination achieves the ideal flavor, texture, stability, and health profile.
Although the recipe keeps evolving, KFC remains committed to crispy, flavorful chicken that keeps fans coming back. The Colonel’s innovation and pursuit of fried chicken perfection lives on!
So next time you savor a bucket of finger-lickin’ KFC chicken, appreciate the research and innovation behind the cooking oils that make it all possible. Here’s to the scientific pursuit of crunch!
Things You’ll Need
- 2 mixing bowls
- Food processor
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheets
Frying the Chicken
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1 Fill a pot or deep fryer with at least 5 inches (13 cm) of vegetable oil. The oil needs to be deep enough so that you can submerge the chicken pieces.[12] Plan on using about 2 quarts (1.9 L) of oil.
- You can use another neutral-tasting oil. Avoid olive oil, however, as the flavor is too intense.
- 2 Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is 350 °F (177 °C). This may take a few minutes, but do not step away from the fryer. Once the oil starts to heat up, the temperature will rise rapidly. Use a candy-making or oil thermometer to keep track of the oils temperature.[13] [14]
- If you dont have a thermometer, stick a wooden spoon handle into the oil. The oil is ready once you start to see bubbles around the handle.[15]
- 3 Fry the chicken in batches for 12 to 18 minutes. The breasts and wings will be ready in about 12 to 14 minutes. The legs and thighs will take about 15 to 18 minutes.[16]
- Check the internal temperature, the chicken is done when the internal temperature reads 165 °F (74 °C). Use a meat thermometer to gauge the temperature.[17]
- The oil should be deep enough to ensure even frying, so theres no need to turn the chicken pieces.
- Make the chicken easier to remove by placing the chicken into a fryer basket, do not overcrowd the basket, then dipping the basket into the hot oil.[18]
- 4 Use a pair of metal tongs to transfer the chicken to a wire cooling rack. To help keep your counter clean, place a baking sheet under the cooling rack to catch any oil drips. Once the chicken has cooled off to room-temperature, its ready to serve![19]
- Dont put the chicken on top of newspaper or paper towels. This will trap the steam in, causing the chicken to go soft.
- If you used a fryer basket, lift it out and hook it over the edge of the deep fryer. Use tongs to pull the chicken pieces out.
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What kind of oil does KFC use?
FAQ
What kind of oil is KFC fried in?
Kentucky Fried Chicken had the latter in mind when selecting which vegetable oil it would fry its famous chicken in. As of 2007, KFC uses low-linolenic soybean oil for all of its frying needs. Different from typical hydrogenated soybean oil, the low-linolenic variety has less linolenic acid.
What type of oil do they use at KFC?
KFC products are fried in oil which may contain the following: Canola Oil and Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added To Protect Flavor, Dimethylpolysiloxane, an Antifoaming Agent Added.
Which oil is best for KFC chicken?
Low-linolenic soybean oil, or LLSO, is a great option for frying and stacks up favorably against other fats.Sep 21, 2024
Does KFC use separate oil for fries?
On average, we change the oil in our fryers on a weekly basis. We only use clean and fresh 100% vegetable oil with a vegetable-based flavour to cook all of our deep fried menu items. This commitment to cleanliness ensures our World Famous Fries are consistently golden and delicious!”
Does KFC use oil to cook fried chicken?
The Surprising Truth Behind Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Cooking Process Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), a beloved fast-food icon, has tantalized taste buds for decades with its crispy, flavorful fried chicken. But what’s the secret behind that irresistible crunch? The answer lies in the oil they use.
What oil does Kentucky Fried Chicken use?
The oil used by Kentucky Fried Chicken is a blend of hydrogenated soybean oil and palm oil. This blend provides the perfect balance of stability, flavor, and sustainability, ensuring that KFC chicken remains a culinary icon. Was this page helpful?
Does KFC pressure fry chicken?
The chicken is then fried under pressure in a specially designed pressure fryer, which makes the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. KFC also uses a specific type of oil for frying, which is a blend of canola oil and soybean oil. KFC’s unique taste comes from their signature pressure frying cooking process.
Does KFC use cooking oil?
While KFC keeps the specific details under wraps, it is widely believed that the cooking oil blend used by the fast-food giant is a closely guarded secret. This secrecy only adds to the allure and mystique surrounding KFC’s famous fried chicken, leaving fans eager to uncover the truth behind the unique flavor.
Which oil is best for fried chicken?
Palm oil, with its high saturated fat content, contributes to the chicken’s crispy exterior. Soybean oil, rich in polyunsaturated fats, adds a subtle nutty flavor. Canola oil, with its neutral taste and high smoke point, ensures even cooking and prevents burning. The type of oil used in fried foods has a significant impact on their healthiness.
Is Kentucky Fried Chicken oil blend healthy?
The nutritional content of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s oil blend varies depending on the specific oils used. However, it generally contains a blend of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. 3. Is Kentucky Fried Chicken ‘s oil blend gluten-free?