There’s just something about a secret recipe that drives people to extraordinary lengths to know its ingredients. One of the most famous secret recipes in the world is our Original Recipe of 11 Herbs and Spices. We’re aware that many people have tried to find the exact recipe. Countless people around the world have claimed to have found or recreated the recipe and the latest attempts were broadcast just this week across the United Kingdom.
Snackmasters, hosted by Fred Sirieix (a popular local TV personality) on Channel 4, challenges Britain’s top chefs to try to work out the secret techniques and recipes behind some of Britain’s best-loved snacks, before creating their own replica. It was only a matter of time before KFC and our secret recipe were talked about with that premise.
Chef Tom Aikens from Muse in Belgravia, the youngest ever chef to receive two Michelin Stars, and Chef Alex Bond from Nottingham’s acclaimed Alchemilla, went head to head with the Colonel to try to identify our elusive mix of the iconic 11 Herbs & Spices. The verdict? Well, given both Tom and Alex are Top Chefs, we’re sure their imitation recipes were delicious. Were they Original Recipe delicious though? Doubtful. In case you’re interested in taking a stab yourself, here is what they each came up with:
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.
Even though the exact recipe is still missing, these pieces give you a taste of the secret ingredients that make KFC chicken so 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.
KFC is able to control the unique 11-herb and spice flavor profile that is associated with their brand around the world because they keep it secret.
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.
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TOM AIKEN’S KFC INSPIRED CHICKEN RECIPE
- Salt
- Dried thyme leaves
- Dried basil leaves
- Dried oregano leaves
- Ground white pepper
- Chicken pieces of your choice
- Celery salt
- Black pepper
- Dried mustard
- Paprika
- Garlic salt
- Ground ginger
- Flour
- Dip chicken in salt water brine initially. The brine holds the flour together and packs the flavors in.
- Cover the drumsticks with the egg wash and buttermilk.
- Warm the oil to 175 degrees Celsius and fry small amounts of food for about 15 minutes.
► KFC’s Secret Recipe of 11 Herbs & Spices Finally Revealed? Homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken!
FAQ
What herbs and spices are in KFC?
According to the recipe, which is called 11 Spices, the top-secret ingredients (and measurements) include:2/3 teaspoon salt. 1/2 teaspoon thyme. 1/2 teaspoon basil. 1/3 teaspoon oregano. 1 teaspoon celery salt. 1 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon dried mustard. 4 teaspoons paprika.
How many special herbs and spices are in KFC?
It is well attested that Harland Sanders asked Bill Summers of Marion-Kay Spices in Brownstown, Indiana, US to recreate his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.
How many herbs & spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Direct Answer: How Many Herbs and Spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken? According to the original recipe developed by Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, the exact number of herbs and spices is 11. To make the unmistakable KFC flavor, these ingredients are carefully mixed together and then applied to the chicken in a certain way.
How many herbs & spices does KFC use?
While the exact blend of flavors is closely guarded, KFC is known to use a unique combination of 11 herbs and spices that give their chicken its irresistible taste. Would you like to read more? **The 11 herbs and spices that make up KFC’s recipe are a closely guarded secret that only a few people know. **.
What are KFC’s secret herbs & spices?
KFC’s 11 secret herbs and spices refer to whatever they mix into their fried chicken coating to make it taste so delicious. According to Joe Ledington, Harland Sanders’ own nephew, the 11 herbs and spices are as follows: The KFC herbs and spices secret ingredients Mix the following spices with two cups of white flour:
What are KFC’s 11 herbs and spices?
Some people have asked, “What are KFC’s 11 herbs and spices?” Well, the secret is out! In a small bowl, mix the celery salt, garlic salt, paprika powder, ground ginger, white pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, ground black pepper, dried mustard, paprika powder, and white pepper.
How many spices are in a KFC recipe?
According to the recipe, which is called 11 Spices, the top-secret ingredients (and measurements) include: The spices are mixed with 2 cups of flour to create the iconic KFC breading. Is This the Real Herbs and Spices Recipe? The recipe was given to a Chicago Tribune reporter by Joe Ledington, Colonel Sanders’ nephew.
How many spices are in KFC secret blend?
According to the original recipe developed by Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, the exact number of herbs and spices is 11. These ingredients are carefully combined and applied to the chicken in a specific process to create the unmistakable KFC flavor. What’s in the Secret Blend?