🍗 KFC-Style Fried Chicken (Homemade Version)
You can make crispy, flavorful fried chicken at home that’s inspired by the famous KFC original recipe.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the chicken:
- 2–3 lbs (900g–1.3kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the seasoned flour:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
For frying:
- 2–3 cups vegetable oil or enough for deep frying
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over buttermilk.
- Add ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper, mix, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
2️⃣ Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix all flour and seasonings.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, pressing lightly to coat well.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook 12–15 minutes per side (thicker pieces may take longer) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on paper towels.
🍽 Serving
- Classic: Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.
- Optional: Sprinkle a little extra salt while hot.
🔥 Tips for Crispy Chicken
- Double dredge: Dip in buttermilk again and coat with flour for extra crunch.
- Rest after dredging: Let coated chicken sit 10 minutes before frying to help flour stick.
- Even cooking: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature.
- Oven option: Finish fried chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to ensure fully cooked.
If you want, I can provide a “secret recipe style” KFC copycat version with 11 herbs and spices for even closer flavor to the original restaurant chicken.
Do you want me to do that?
