Homemade KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Have you ever wanted that crispy KFC fried chicken right at home? You’re in luck! After years of testing, I’m excited to share this KFC fried chicken recipe that nails that famous blend of herbs and spices. If you love fried chicken, check out this 1800s fried chicken recipe, the super crispy 12 tomatoes crispy fried chicken recipe, or the flavorful 11 hour fried chicken recipe.

The secret to this KFC fried chicken recipe is the perfect blend of 11 herbs and spices paired with a buttermilk marinade that keeps the chicken super juicy and crispy. I’m not saying it’s addictive, but I’ve made it three times this week! If you’re in the mood for more, try this Blackstone chicken fried rice recipe or this crispy perfect 1 kg chicken fry recipe.

What You'll Love About This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor Profile - The carefully measured blend of 11 herbs and spices creates that unmistakable KFC taste you know and love
• Extra Crispy Coating - Learn the secret technique that gives KFC chicken its signature crunch while keeping the meat tender and juicy
• Restaurant-Quality Results - Impress family and friends with fried chicken that tastes like it came straight from the Colonel's kitchen

this recipe

Recipe Ingredients

Get ready to create the famous KFC fried chicken recipe with these simple ingredients that combine to make culinary magic:

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Celery salt
• Black pepper
• Dry mustard powder
• Paprika
• Garlic salt
• Ground ginger
• White pepper
• Whole chicken
• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable shortening or oil

Ingredient Notes

• Paprika is a key component in the KFC fried chicken recipe - don't skimp on this ingredient as it provides both color and flavor. Use regular paprika, not smoked or hot varieties for authentic taste.
• Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating adhere properly. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• White pepper might seem unusual, but it's one of the "secret" ingredients that gives KFC chicken its distinctive flavor profile. Don't substitute black pepper here if you want the authentic taste.

How to Make KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below. Here's a quick overview of how to create this delicious KFC fried chicken recipe at home:

1. Cut your whole chicken into standard pieces (breasts, thighs, legs, and wings).
2. Mix buttermilk and beaten egg in a large bowl.
3. Soak chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes.
4. Combine flour and all spices in a shallow bowl to create the signature coating.

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1. Remove chicken from buttermilk, shake off excess, and thoroughly coat in the flour mixture.
2. Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes.

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
2. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Drain on a wire rack and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect KFC-Style Chicken

Double-dipping is the secret to extra crispy chicken! After the first coating, dip the chicken pieces back in the buttermilk mixture and then coat again with the flour mixture for that thick, craggy coating that KFC is famous for. Also, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial - use a thermometer to keep it steady at 350°F for optimal results.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The coating will soften somewhat but will still taste delicious.Learn proper storage and reheating techniques for fried chicken.
• Freezer Option: Fried chicken freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating for Crispiness: For the best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore some crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible as it will make the coating soggy.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

• Add ½ teaspoon of MSG to the flour mixture for an even more authentic KFC flavor (this is optional but often cited as part of the "secret" recipe)
• Include ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom for an interesting flavor twist
• Try adding 1 teaspoon of powdered chicken bouillon to the flour mixture for enhanced savory flavor

Substitutions:

• Replace vegetable shortening with peanut oil for a different flavor profile
• Substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar if buttermilk isn't available
• Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version (though texture will differ slightly)
• Swap chicken pieces for boneless chicken tenders for easier eating (reduce cooking time accordingly)

FAQs about this KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

What Can I Serve with this KFC Fried Chicken Recipe?

This KFC fried chicken recipe pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or flaky buttermilk biscuits. For a complete KFC-inspired meal, don't forget the corn on the cob and a tall glass of sweet tea!

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If you try this recipe, I'd be thrilled to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below and let me know if you think it measures up to the Colonel's secret recipe.

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You May Also Like

• Kentucky Grilled Chicken
• Easy KFC Chicken Recipe
• Homemade Easy KFC Chicken Nuggets Recipe
• KFC Fried Chicken Nuggets

KFC Fried Chicken

This homemade KFC-style fried chicken recipe gives you the classic, crispy, and flavorful taste of the famous fast-food favorite.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fried Chicken, KFC Copycat

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 3 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 384kcal

Equipment

• Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven

Ingredients

Spice Blend

• 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 tablespoon paprika
• 2 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoon ground white pepper

Other Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
• vegetable shortening or oil for frying

Instructions

• Cut the chicken into pieces (breasts, thighs, legs, and wings).
• Whisk together buttermilk and beaten egg in a bowl.
• Soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes.
• Mix all spice blend ingredients with the flour in a shallow bowl.
• Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture and let rest for 15 minutes.
• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches:

  • Breasts & thighs: 15-18 minutes
  • Wings & drumsticks: 12-13 minutes
• Drain chicken on a wire rack and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust spice levels to taste. Best enjoyed fresh and crispy!

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Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6.3g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1042mg