KFC Fried Chicken

KFC fried chicken is a beloved favorite for many across the USA. It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavors that take you back to simpler times. If you’ve ever craved that iconic taste but wanted to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, then this guide will help you master the recipe. Making KFC fried chicken isn’t just about replicating a fast-food classic; it’s about creating a dish that warms the heart. Picture a golden-brown chicken piece that perfectly crunches as you take a bite, with flavors dancing on your palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the process is not only simple but incredibly satisfying. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making your own KFC fried chicken!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This How to make KFC fried chicken
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Chicken Pieces
• Cut the Chicken into Pieces
• Mixing the Breading
• Combine Flour and Spices
• Marinating the Chicken
• Soak the Chicken in Buttermilk
• Breading the Chicken
• Bread the Chicken Pieces
• Frying the Chicken
• Heat the Oil
• Cook the Chicken
• Draining the Chicken
• Let the Fried Chicken Drain
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

One of the secrets behind the perfect KFC fried chicken lies in a catchy combination of flavors and techniques. First, the herbs and spices create that iconic crispy coating that brings satisfaction with every bite. You’ll find that the careful balance of seasonings makes a huge difference—every spice plays a role, from the earthy thyme to the punchy black pepper.

Another key element to juicy chicken is using buttermilk for brining. Soaking your chicken not only helps tenderize the meat but also infuses it with flavor, resulting in juicy bites that won’t disappoint. Combine that with a choice of vegetable shortening, and you’ll be able to achieve the crispy exterior we all love. Trust me; each of these steps contributes to a delicious outcome that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This How to make KFC fried chicken

This recipe is designed for everyone—from culinary newbies to seasoned chefs. At home, you can fill your kitchen with delightful aromas reminiscent of KFC, bringing back memories while creating new ones. Imagine your loved ones flocking around the kitchen, excited for that first bite.

The step-by-step instructions make this recipe a breeze. It’s all laid out simply, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, serving up homemade fried chicken is sure to impress family and friends, showcasing your cooking flair without any stress.

Ingredients

To recreate this classic dish at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon ground thyme
• ½ tablespoon basil
• ⅓ tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer (MSG) (optional)
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
• Vegetable shortening for frying (or vegetable oil, but shortening is preferred)

As you gather these items, imagine the delicious dish you’re about to prepare.

Preparing the Chicken Pieces

Cut the Chicken into Pieces

Start by cutting your whole chicken into individual pieces—breasts, thighs, legs, and wings. This gives you a variety of options for cooking and helps ensure even frying. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before; with a sharp knife and a steady hand, it’s quite straightforward. Just follow the natural joints, and you’ll have perfectly portioned pieces in no time.

Mixing the Breading

Combine Flour and Spices

Next up, grab a shallow bowl and whisk together the flour and all those lovely seasonings. It’s time to mix in the salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt, ginger, and white pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in that optional MSG for an extra flavor boost. This blend is a key part of what makes your KFC fried chicken taste just right.

Marinating the Chicken

Soak the Chicken in Buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and the beaten egg until it’s smooth. It’s time to soak your chicken pieces in this rich mixture. Leave them to marinate for about 30 minutes. This isn’t just about flavor; the buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making sure it stays juicy during frying.

Breading the Chicken

Bread the Chicken Pieces

While the chicken soaks, preheat your oven. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet to catch any drips later. After 30 minutes, take the chicken out of the buttermilk, gently shaking off the excess. Now coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Lay the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and will lead to a crunchier chicken.

Frying the Chicken

Heat the Oil

Grab your deep fryer or Dutch oven for frying. Heat the vegetable shortening to a steady 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a Dutch oven, be sure to monitor the temperature carefully. This ensures the breading stays crisp and prevents any greasiness.

Cook the Chicken

Now for the exciting part! Fry your chicken pieces in batches, keeping an eye on the cooking times. Breasts and thighs generally take about 15–18 minutes, while wings and legs will cook for around 12-13 minutes. Look for that golden brown color; it’s a good sign of crunchiness.

Draining the Chicken

Let the Fried Chicken Drain

Once cooked, place the fried chicken on a clean wire rack set on the baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drain off, helping maintain that crispiness. You want to ensure every bite is fresh and crunchy!

Serving Suggestions

To serve, think about some classic sides. Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and buttery biscuits are perfect companions for KFC fried chicken. Lay out a spread that makes people want to gather around the table.

Tips for Success

For the best results, use fresh spices; their potency adds an impressive flavor to your chicken. Moreover, maintaining the oil temperature during frying plays a crucial role. It ensures that your chicken cooks properly without becoming greasy.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You might try adding cayenne pepper for a kick of heat or mixing in different herbs to experiment with flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have some leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They last about three days in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven; this helps restore that signature crispiness we all love.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless chicken?

2. While skinless chicken can work, it might not achieve the same crispy texture that the skin provides.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

4. Simply switch out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, making this dish accessible for everyone.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

6. Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, coat the chicken with cooking spray and bake it at 400°F. Just remember, the texture will vary from fried.

7. What type of oil is best for frying?

8. While vegetable shortening is a top pick, peanut or canola oils can also work well for frying.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done frying?

10. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely enjoyed.

This recipe captures the spirit of KFC fried chicken perfectly while bringing the joy of cooking into your home. The intricate blend of spices, the straight-forward cooking steps, and the satisfaction of crispy chicken make this a dish everyone can enjoy. So gather your loved ones, serve up this delicious creation, and relish each compassionate bite!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Beef Taco Salad
• Cucumber Caprese Salad
• Avocado Tuna Salad
• Turkey Pesto Sandwich

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print