How to prepare KFC style chicken - Recipe

Kentucky Fried Chicken ( KFC ) style fried chicken is a delicacy that has captivated palates around the world for decades. The crispy golden coating and the unmistakable flavor of the 11 secret herbs and spices are an irresistible combination. Although KFC is famous for its chicken, not everyone has access to a nearby KFC restaurant or wants to spend money on fast food regularly. The solution? Learn how to prepare KFC chicken at home.

Go on a culinary journey to discover the secret behind the famous KFC fried chicken. You'll learn how to emulate that signature flavor in your own kitchen. From ingredient selection to precise cooking steps, I'll guide you through the entire process. Get ready to impress your friends and family with authentic homemade KFC chicken.

The Origin of KFC

Kentucky Fried Chicken was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930 in Corbin, Kentucky, United States. Colonel Sanders developed a unique fried chicken recipe that included 11 secret herbs and spices. As he perfected his recipe, he began serving his delicious chicken at a roadside diner. Over time, their fried chicken became extremely popular and expanded nationally and internationally.

The Secret Recipe

The KFC fried chicken recipe is one of the best kept secrets in the fast food industry. Until the cut-off date of my knowledge in September 2021, only a few people knew the exact formula of the 11 herbs and spices. The recipe is even said to be split into two parts, with two different companies each responsible for half, to keep it even safer.

Key Ingredients

Before you start cooking, you need to make sure you have all the ingredients needed to create KFC fried chicken at home. These are the key ingredients:

Chicken
Chicken is the main ingredient, and you should choose fresh, high-quality chicken pieces. The most popular pieces for this recipe are the thighs and wings, but you can use any part of the chicken you prefer.

Wheat flour
Wheat flour is the base of the crispy layer that covers the chicken. Make sure it is regular wheat flour.

Salt
Salt is essential to season the chicken and give it flavor. It also helps enhance the flavor of herbs and spices.

Paprika
Paprika adds color and a subtle smoky flavor to KFC fried chicken.

Herbs and Spices
This is where the best kept secret comes in. Although we cannot know the exact formula of KFC's 11 herbs and spices, there are speculations and homemade recipes that suggest ingredients such as white pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and more. Experiment to find the combination you like best.

Milk
The milk is used to soak the chicken before breading it. This helps the flour coating adhere better to the chicken and gives it a crispier texture.

Egg
The eggs are mixed with the milk to help the flour coating adhere to the chicken.

Oil
You will need oil to fry the chicken. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are popular choices due to their high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Recipe preparation

With all the ingredients on hand, it's time to prepare KFC fried chicken at home. Follow these steps for best results:

Step 1: Chicken Marinade

Start by cleaning and drying the chicken pieces well with paper towels.
In a large bowl, mix the milk with the beaten eggs to create a soaking mixture.
Dip the chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture and let them sit for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps make the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 2: Preparation of the Flour

In another large bowl, mix the wheat flour with salt, paprika and the herbs and spices you have chosen. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated.

Step 3: Breading the Chicken

After the chicken has rested in the milk and egg mixture, remove the pieces one by one and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to cover each piece completely with the flour.
Place the breaded chicken pieces on a tray or rack and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour coating to adhere firmly to the chicken.

Step 4: Frying

While the chicken pieces are resting, heat enough oil in a large skillet or deep fryer until it reaches a temperature of 175°C (350°F).
Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan or fryer. Cook chicken in batches if necessary.
Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve KFC Homemade Fried Chicken hot and enjoy it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw or dinner rolls. Bon appétit!

Tips to Get the Perfect Flavor

Making KFC-style fried chicken at home can be a challenge, but here are some tips to achieve that signature flavor:

Experiment with Spices: Although you won't know the exact KFC recipe, you can try different combinations of herbs and spices to find the one you like best.
Control the Oil Temperature: Maintain a constant oil temperature during frying so that the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Don't Rush the Process: Cook the chicken over medium heat to ensure it cooks properly on the inside without the outer layer burning.
Let the Chicken Rest: After breading the chicken, allow it to rest before frying. This will help the flour layer stick better.

Making KFC fried chicken at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Although the original recipe is a closely guarded secret, with the right ingredients and preparation, you can get close to the signature KFC taste.