How to Make KFC-Style Fried Chicken at Home

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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 pieces instead of a whole bird to get the right amount of dark and white meat. You can also save money by cutting up a chicken yourself.

KFC uses a three-step breading method:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 flavor that makes KFC stand out comes from a special mix of 11 herbs and spices. The exact recipe is kept secret, but home cooks have made spice mixes that taste just like the real thing. 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:

  • Use chicken on the bone for added flavor and juiciness. Thighs, drumsticks, and wings work best.

  • Dry chicken thoroughly before breading to help the coating stick.

  • Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispness without overcooking.

  • Fry in batches to keep the oil hot. Don’t overcrowd.

  • Let chicken rest after frying before serving for juicier meat.

  • Use thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.

  • Reheat gently in a low oven to maintain texture.

How to Make the Perfect KFC Chicken at Home

Follow this easy fried chicken recipe and method to get meat that is tender and juicy with a KFC-style crust that is very crispy and full of flavor:

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:

  1. Cut chicken into pieces and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  2. 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.

  3. Set up breading station. Place seasoned flour in one bowl, and whisk together milk and eggs in a second bowl.

  4. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg wash, then back into the flour, pressing to adhere.

  5. Heat 2-3 inches oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.

  6. Fry chicken in batches about 6-10 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and meat juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

  7. 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!

how do you make kfc fried chicken

Marinating and Breading the Chicken

  • 1 Cut the chicken apart into 10 pieces. Two wings, two legs (snare drums), two thighs, and two breasts are what you need. You will have 4 chicken breasts after cutting each one in half. [7] A chicken that weighs about 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.
  • 2. Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for 20 to 60 minutes. Twenty to thirty minutes will work if you don’t have much time. [9] A full hour would be much better however. Make sure the chicken marinates on the counter; putting it in the fridge will cool the hot oil down because of the cold meat. [10] Put plastic wrap over the dish to keep the marinade from going bad. If your kitchen is very hot, you could marinate the chicken in the fridge at first and then move it to the counter halfway through the marinating time.
  • 3 Dredge the chicken through the flour-spice blend. Take a chicken piece out of the buttermilk and let the extra sauce drip off. Cover both sides of the chicken with the spice-flour mix. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. [11] Repeat this step for each piece of chicken. Work 1 piece at a time. Put the chicken pieces in the buttermilk until you’re ready to dredge them.
  • 4. Leave the chicken on the baking sheet for about five minutes to cool down. Discard any leftover spiced flour. Because it touched raw meat, it is no longer safe to use. Remember to throw away any buttermilk marinade that you don’t use right away; it has been tainted by raw meat and can’t be used again.

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Community Q&ASearch

  • What kind of oil does KFC use? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer: This answer was written by one of our trained researchers, who made sure it was correct and covered all the bases. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer: KFC’s website says that their food is cooked in canola oil and hydrogenated soybean oil that has citric acid and TBHQ (a preservative).
  • What are the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer: This answer was written by one of our trained researchers, who made sure it was correct and complete. The 11 herbs and spices were recently named in an article in the Chicago Tribune. They are salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper.
  • Does KFC pressure cook their fried chicken? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer: This answer was written by one of our trained researchers, who made sure it was correct and covered all the bases. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer: KFC uses special pressure fryers made for businesses. These are not the same kind of pressure cookers that most people have in their kitchens, though. It will be easier to follow the recipe if you use a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
  • 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?

Place the breaded chicken onto a wire rack over a baking sheet. 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?

Other Ingredients1 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.

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