KFC ORIGINAL SECRET CHICKEN RECIPE 

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KFC-Style Original Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • Chicken pieces: 8–10 (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or a whole chicken cut into pieces)
  • Buttermilk: 2 cups
  • Water: ½ cup
  • Salt: 1 tablespoon (for the marinade)

For the seasoned flour coating:

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups
  • Cornstarch: ½ cup (for extra crispiness)
  • Paprika: 2 teaspoons
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Celery salt: 1 teaspoon
  • White pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon
  • Mustard powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Chili powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, for spice)
  • Salt: 2 teaspoons

For frying:

  • Vegetable oil: Enough to submerge chicken (peanut oil or canola oil is recommended)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the chicken:
  • Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, water, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
  1. Make the seasoned flour mixture:
  • In a large shallow dish or bowl, combine all the ingredients for the seasoned flour coating. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.
  1. Coat the chicken:
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
  • Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack or tray and let it rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.
  1. Heat the oil:
  • In a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as fluctuating heat can affect the chicken’s texture.
  1. Fry the chicken:
  • Fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Avoid using paper towels, as they can make the coating soggy.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Tips for the Perfect KFC-Style Fried Chicken:

  1. Double-coating option: For extra crunch, dip the flour-coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then re-coat it in the flour mixture before frying.
  2. Keep chicken warm: If making large batches, keep fried chicken warm in an oven set at 200°F (93°C) while frying the rest.
  3. Oil care: Skim out any crumbs from the oil between batches to prevent burning.

If you’d like to take your homemade KFC-style experience up a notch, here are some additional tips, sides, and variations to complement your chicken:

Enhancements and Variations

  1. Double Breading for Extra Crunch
  • After the first coat of seasoned flour, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour again. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
  1. Pressure Fryer Method
  • KFC uses a pressure fryer to achieve their signature crispy coating. While it’s not a common household appliance, you can mimic the effect using a heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid. Be cautious and follow safety guidelines for frying.
  1. Spicy Version (Zinger Style)
  • Add cayenne pepper (1-2 teaspoons) or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. Alternatively, mix hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade for heat from within.
  1. Herb-Infused Oil
  • Infuse the frying oil with rosemary, garlic, or thyme for a subtle but elevated flavor. Remove the herbs before frying to prevent burning.
  1. Gluten-Free Option
  • Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and cornstarch to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Chicken

  1. Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Soft and flaky biscuits pair perfectly with the crispy chicken. Spread some honey or butter on them for a classic Southern combination.
  1. Creamy Coleslaw
  • A refreshing, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the fried chicken.
  1. Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
  • Whip up some creamy mashed potatoes and pour a homemade brown gravy over the top.
  1. Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn
  • Sweet and buttery corn is a great complement to the savory chicken.
  1. Mac and Cheese
  • A cheesy, indulgent side dish like baked mac and cheese rounds out the meal.

Dipping Sauces and Gravy

  1. KFC-Style Gravy
  • Combine chicken drippings with a roux (butter and flour) and chicken stock to create a rich, savory gravy.
  1. Honey Mustard Sauce
  • Mix Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise for a sweet and tangy dip.
  1. Spicy Mayo
  • Blend mayonnaise with sriracha or hot sauce for a creamy and spicy complement.
  1. Garlic Aioli
  • Whisk minced garlic, olive oil, and mayonnaise for a flavorful dip.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Make a Chicken Bucket
  • Serve your fried chicken in a large basket or bucket lined with parchment paper for that classic KFC-style presentation.
  1. Family-Style Feast
  • Create a Southern-inspired spread with fried chicken, biscuits, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea.
  1. Sandwich Option
  • Use the fried chicken in sandwiches or sliders with lettuce, pickles, and mayonnaise for a fast-food favorite at home.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Fried Chicken

  1. Storage:
  • Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  1. Reheating:
  • Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
  1. Freezing:
  • Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

With these additions, your homemade KFC-style fried chicken can turn into a full feast or even better than the original!

Enjoy your homemade version of KFC’s original fried chicken with crispy, flavorful perfection!

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