Do you crave that classic KFC flavor but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen? You’re not alone! KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken has been a beloved fast-food staple for decades. But did you know that you can make your own version of the famous fried chicken at home? This copycat recipe for KFC Original Recipe Chicken will give you the same crispy, savory flavor that you know and love.
History of KFC Original Recipe Chicken
KFC Original Recipe Chicken was invented by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1940s. Sanders, who was already running a successful restaurant in Kentucky, developed a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that he used to coat his fried chicken. The recipe was so popular that he began franchising his restaurant, and the rest is history.
Today, KFC Original Recipe Chicken is still made with the same secret blend of herbs and spices. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to perfection.
Ingredients for KFC Original Recipe Chicken
To make your own version of KFC Original Recipe Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 lbs. of chicken (a combination of legs, thighs, breasts, and wings)
- 1 quart of buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried sage
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- Oil, for frying
Here’s How to Make KFC Original Recipe Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika (1 tbsp, garlic powder (1 tbsp), onion powder(1tbsp), salt (1 tbsp), basil (2tsp), oregano (2tsp), sage (2tsp), thyme (2tsp), and black pepper (2tsp).
- Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure that it is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if possible).
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and the remaining spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure that it is fully coated.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the hot oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
- Serve your KFC Original Recipe Chicken hot, with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Follow this recipe to make your own KFC Original Recipe Chicken at home.”
Equipment
- 1 Deep Pot
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. chicken a combination of legs, thighs, breasts, and wings
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons paprika divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder divided
- 2 tablespoons onion powder divided
- 2 tablespoons salt divided
- 1 tablespoon dried basil divided
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano divided
- 1 tablespoon dried sage divided
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme divided
- 1 tablespoon black pepper divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tbsp), onion powder (1 tbsp), salt (1tbsp), basil (2 tsp), oregano (2tsp), sage (2 tsp), thyme (2 tsp), and black pepper (2 tsp).
- Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure that it is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if possible).
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika (1 tbsp), garlic powder (1 tbsp), onion powder (1 tbsp), salt (1tbsp), basil (2 tsp), oregano (2tsp), sage (2 tsp), thyme (2 tsp), and black pepper (2 tsp).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure that it is fully coated.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the hot oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
- Serve your KFC Original Recipe Chicken hot, with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Our KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
For the best results, we recommend using all-purpose flour.
Yes, you can use any combination of chicken pieces that you prefer. However, keep in mind that different pieces of chicken may cook at different rates.
While baking the chicken is a healthier option, it won’t give you the same crispy texture that you get from deep-frying. If you do choose to bake the chicken, we recommend using a wire rack to elevate the chicken above the baking sheet, which will help it get crispy.
If you prefer a spicier version of KFC Original Recipe Chicken, you can add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
While it’s best to serve KFC Original Recipe Chicken hot and fresh, you can keep it warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.
KFC uses a combination of vegetable and canola oil to fry their chicken, but you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or corn oil.
Making your own KFC Original Recipe Chicken is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can recreate the iconic flavor of KFC’s famous fried chicken in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a craving, this copycat recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
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