If you love the crispy, flavorful goodness of KFC chicken but want to enjoy it fresh from your own kitchen, you’re in the right place! Making KFC-style chicken at home is easier than you think, and with the right blend of spices and cooking techniques, you can replicate that iconic taste and crunch. Let’s dive into how you can make KFC chicken at home with a step-by-step guide that’s friendly and simple.
What Makes KFC Chicken So Special?
KFC’s Original Recipe chicken is famous for its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1940s. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour mix before being deep-fried to golden perfection. This process locks in juiciness while creating the crispy, flavorful crust that KFC fans adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own KFC-style chicken, gather these ingredients:
– Chicken pieces: 4 lbs (legs, thighs, breasts, wings)
– Buttermilk: 1 quart for marinating
– Flour: 2 cups all-purpose
– Oil: For deep frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
The Spice Mix (divided for marinade and coating)
– Paprika (2 tbsp)
– Garlic powder (2 tbsp)
– Onion powder (2 tbsp)
– Salt (2 tbsp)
– Dried basil (1 tbsp)
– Dried oregano (1 tbsp)
– Dried sage (1 tbsp)
– Dried thyme (1 tbsp)
– Black pepper (1 tbsp)
This blend mimics the famous KFC secret spices and adds layers of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making KFC Chicken at Home
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine buttermilk with half of the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and black pepper in a large bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in this mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the remaining spices. This seasoned flour will give the chicken its signature crispy crust.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Tips for Perfect Homemade KFC Chicken
– Use buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices penetrate deeply.
– Don’t skip marinating: The longer, the better for flavor and juiciness.
– Maintain oil temperature: Too hot and the coating burns; too low and the chicken absorbs oil and becomes greasy.
– Press the flour coating: This ensures a crunchy crust that sticks well.
– Use a wire rack to drain: It prevents sogginess by letting excess oil drip away.
Variations and Extras
Some recipes add egg whites or whole eggs to the marinade or use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for an extra crispy coating. You can also experiment with adding a tiny bit of brown sugar to the flour mix to balance the spices with a subtle sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade KFC chicken hot with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or fries. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoying this crispy, flavorful chicken right at home is not only satisfying but also a fun way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills.
Making KFC chicken at home is all about the right marinade, seasoning, and frying technique. With this guide, you can recreate that iconic taste anytime you crave it.
Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade KFC-style fried chicken!