Unlocking the KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe: Achieve the Same Taste and Texture at Home

 



INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow these steps to achieve that signature KFC taste and texture:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
    • Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture:

    • In a large bowl, combine the flour with all the spices: salt, black pepper, paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, celery salt, ground ginger, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and ground sage.
    • Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

  3. Coat the Chicken:

    • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
    • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
    • Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better during frying.

  4. Fry the Chicken:

    • In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
    • Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
    • Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    • Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This helps keep the coating crispy by allowing excess oil to drip away.

  5. Serve:

    • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
    • Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a complete KFC-style meal.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavorful Coating: The combination of spices in the flour mixture closely mimics the original KFC seasoning, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Buttermilk Marination: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere better, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful chicken.
  • Crispy Texture: Letting the coated chicken rest before frying helps the coating set, ensuring a crispy, crunchy texture that is characteristic of KFC chicken.
  • Proper Frying Technique: Frying the chicken at the right temperature and in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, which helps achieve a crispy, non-greasy finish.