Have you ever found yourself craving that perfect bite of crispy, golden fried chicken? You know the one – where the coating shatters with that satisfying crunch, revealing tender, juicy meat that’s been kissed with just the right blend of herbs and spices? Well, my friend, your search ends here! This KFC style fried chicken recipe is about to become your new kitchen superstar.
Why This KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer
There’s something magical about KFC style fried chicken that keeps us coming back for more. But what if I told you that you could recreate that same finger-lickin’ goodness right in your kitchen? This homemade version doesn’t just match the original; it surpasses it with fresher ingredients, more love, and that personal touch that makes home cooking so special 😊.
The secret to achieving authentic KFC style fried chicken lies in two crucial elements: the marinade and the seasoning blend. While the Colonel might have kept his recipe under lock and key, we’ve cracked the code to deliver that same addictive flavor profile that has made KFC a household name worldwide.
The Magic Behind Our KFC Style Fried Chicken Marinade
The foundation of exceptional KFC style fried chicken starts long before it hits the oil. Our marinade combines buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, and salt to create a tenderizing powerhouse that infuses every fiber of the chicken with incredible flavor.
The buttermilk works its magic by breaking down the proteins, ensuring your chicken stays incredibly moist and tender. Meanwhile, that splash of pickle juice adds a subtle tang that elevates the overall taste profile – it’s one of those secret ingredients that makes people say, “There’s something special about this KFC style fried chicken, but I can’t put my finger on it!”
Crafting the Perfect Seasoning Blend
Now, here’s where our KFC style fried chicken shines. The flour dredge isn’t just flour – it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of spices that creates layers of flavor in every single bite.
We’re talking about a blend that includes oregano, thyme, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, ground ginger, white pepper, black pepper, and crushed chicken bouillon. Each spice plays its part in creating that signature KFC style fried chicken taste that’s both familiar and irresistible.
The addition of cornstarch to our flour mixture is another game-changer – it creates an extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy long after the chicken comes out of the oil.
Your Complete KFC Style Fried Chicken Shopping List
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1-2 whole chicken (or bone-in chicken pieces)
- 1⁄2 litre of buttermilk
- 1⁄2 cup pickle juice
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Flour Dredge:
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1⁄2 cup corn starch
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried mustard
- 3 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon (crushed)
Additional Essentials:
- Frying oil
- Salt (to taste)
Pro Tips for Perfect KFC Style Fried Chicken Every Time
Creating restaurant-quality KFC style fried chicken at home requires a few insider tricks. First, don’t rush the marinating process – let that chicken soak up all those beautiful flavors for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better.
When it comes to frying, temperature control is everything. Keep your oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) for that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior that makes KFC style fried chicken so addictive.
The Joy of Homemade KFC Style Fried Chicken
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling off restaurant-quality KFC style fried chicken in your kitchen. It’s not just about the money you save (though that’s certainly a nice bonus!), It’s about the pride of creating something extraordinary with your own hands.
Plus, when you make KFC style fried chicken at home, you control every ingredient. You know exactly what’s going into your food, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. Want it a little spicier? Add more hot sauce to the marinade. Prefer a milder flavor? Dial back on the pepper.
Making Memories with KFC Style Fried Chicken
This KFC style fried chicken recipe isn’t just about feeding people – it’s about bringing them together. Picture this: the kitchen filled with the incredible aroma of herbs and spices, family members sneaking tastes of the seasoning blend, and everyone gathering around the table to enjoy a meal that was made with love and attention to detail.
Whether you’re planning a weekend family dinner, preparing for a picnic, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this KFC style fried chicken delivers on every level. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining the nostalgia of a beloved classic with the satisfaction of homemade goodness.
So go ahead, tie on that apron, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you for it! 🙂
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KFC Style Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe That’ll Make You Forget Takeout 🍗
- Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, flavorful homemade fried chicken that recreates the beloved KFC taste with a perfect blend of herbs and spices. This recipe features a buttermilk marinade and secret seasoning blend for extra tender, juicy chicken with an irresistibly crunchy coating.
Ingredients
- 1–2 whole chicken (or bone-in chicken pieces)
- 1/2 litre buttermilk
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (for marinade)
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 2 tsp salt (for dredge)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried mustard
- 3 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon (crushed)
- Frying oil (enough for deep frying)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl to create marinade.
- Add chicken pieces to marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, 2 tsp salt, oregano, thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, ground ginger, white pepper, black pepper, and crushed chicken bouillon.
- Heat frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres.
- Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes for bone-in pieces, turning once halfway through.
- Remove chicken when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on paper towels and season with salt to taste while hot.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferred for maximum flavor and tenderness
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer – cook in batches if necessary
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- The cornstarch in the flour mixture creates extra crispiness
- Pickle juice is a secret ingredient that adds subtle tang and helps tenderize the meat
- Let chicken rest after frying to keep it juicy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (leg or thigh)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: KFC style fried chicken, homemade fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, southern fried chicken, copycat KFC recipe, seasoned fried chicken