Homemade KFC Fried Chicken Recipe Copycat

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Hey guys! Ever get that craving for some finger-lickin’ good KFC fried chicken but don't want to hit up the drive-thru? I totally get it! That's why I'm so excited to share this incredible copycat KFC recipe with you. It might seem a little wild with the ingredient list, but trust me, the results are absolutely worth it. Get ready to treat your family to some seriously delicious homemade takeout!

Why Make Your Own KFC?

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why making your own KFC-style fried chicken is such a great idea. First off, you have complete control over the ingredients. No mystery oils or questionable additives here! You know exactly what's going into your chicken, which is a huge win for health-conscious folks. Plus, making it at home is often more budget-friendly than buying buckets of chicken. And let’s be real, there's something super satisfying about creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The aroma alone will have everyone drooling! But the biggest reason, in my opinion, is the flavor. This recipe nails that iconic KFC taste – the crispy, seasoned skin and the juicy, tender meat. It’s seriously addictive. We're talking about that secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that has made KFC a global phenomenon. It's the perfect balance of savory, salty, and just a hint of warmth, making every bite an explosion of flavor. The crispy texture is key too. That golden-brown, crunchy coating is what makes fried chicken so irresistible. This recipe ensures that your chicken will have that perfect crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. We're not just talking about a simple fried chicken recipe here; we're talking about replicating a culinary legend. And you can do it right in your own kitchen! So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get frying!

The Secret's in the Spices: Unlocking the KFC Flavor

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that makes KFC chicken so darn delicious. This is where the magic happens, guys! You might be thinking, “Eleven spices? That sounds complicated!” But don't worry, it's actually pretty straightforward. And the best part is, you probably already have most of these spices in your pantry. This copycat KFC recipe relies on a specific combination of seasonings to mimic that signature flavor. We're talking about pantry staples like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano and basil. But there are also a few unexpected ingredients in the mix, like celery salt and ground ginger, which add a unique depth of flavor. The exact proportions of each spice are crucial to achieving that authentic KFC taste. Too much of one spice can throw off the whole balance. That’s why following the recipe closely is super important. But don't be afraid to experiment a little once you've mastered the basic recipe. You can adjust the spice levels to your liking, adding a pinch more of your favorite flavors. Think of this recipe as a starting point, a foundation for your own fried chicken masterpiece. And remember, fresh spices are key to the best flavor. If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a while, they might have lost some of their potency. So it's a good idea to give them a sniff test before you start cooking. If they don't smell super fragrant, it might be time to replace them. Trust me, it makes a world of difference. So get those spices ready, because we're about to create some serious flavor magic!

The Brine and the Dredge: Key Steps to Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Now, let's talk about the secrets to achieving that perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. It's all about the brine and the dredge, guys! These two steps are absolutely essential for KFC-style fried chicken that's out-of-this-world delicious. First up, the brine. Brining is like giving your chicken a spa day – it soaks in all that flavorful goodness and comes out incredibly moist and tender. A brine is simply a saltwater solution, often with added seasonings. Soaking the chicken in this solution helps to season it from the inside out, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. But the real magic of the brine is its ability to help the chicken retain moisture during cooking. The salt in the brine denatures the proteins in the chicken, allowing them to absorb more liquid. This means that your chicken will stay juicy and succulent even after it's been fried to crispy perfection. For this copycat KFC recipe, we'll use a simple brine of salt, water, and a few extra seasonings to enhance the flavor. The brining time is crucial – you want to give the chicken enough time to soak up the flavors, but not so long that it becomes too salty. Now, let's move on to the dredge. The dredge is what creates that iconic crispy coating that we all love. It's a mixture of flour and seasonings that coats the chicken before it hits the hot oil. The flour provides the structure for the crispy crust, while the seasonings add another layer of flavor. For this recipe, we'll use a double dredge technique, which means coating the chicken in the flour mixture twice. This creates a thicker, crispier coating that's just like the real deal. The key to a good dredge is to make sure that the chicken is completely coated in the flour mixture. Don't be afraid to really press the flour into the chicken to make sure it adheres properly. And remember, a little bit of clumping is a good thing! Those little clumps will create extra crispy bits on your chicken. So, get ready to brine and dredge your way to fried chicken perfection!

Frying Time: Mastering the Art of the Fry

Alright, guys, it's showtime! We've brined, we've dredged, and now it's time to fry. Frying chicken can seem a little intimidating, but trust me, with a few tips and tricks, you'll be a pro in no time. The key to perfect KFC-style fried chicken is maintaining the right oil temperature. You want the oil to be hot enough to cook the chicken quickly and create a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside is cooked through. A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend here. It will help you monitor the oil temperature and make sure it stays consistent throughout the frying process. For this recipe, we're aiming for an oil temperature of around 325°F (160°C). It is very important to use the right type of oil for frying. You want an oil with a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and creating a bad flavor. Peanut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are all good choices for frying chicken. Now, let's talk about the frying process itself. You'll want to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to splash yourself. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. This will help keep the crust crispy. Don't place the chicken on paper towels, as this will trap steam and make the crust soggy. And there you have it – perfectly fried, KFC-style chicken that's ready to be devoured! So, grab your tongs, get that oil hot, and let's get frying!

Serving Up Your Homemade KFC Masterpiece

Congratulations, guys! You've just created some seriously amazing copycat KFC fried chicken. Now comes the best part – serving it up and enjoying the fruits (or should I say, chickens?) of your labor! But what's fried chicken without some delicious sides? Let's talk about some classic KFC pairings that will complete your homemade feast. Of course, you can't go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy. This is a classic combo for a reason – the fluffy potatoes and savory gravy are the perfect complement to the crispy, juicy chicken. Coleslaw is another must-have side dish. The cool, tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken. And let's not forget about biscuits! Fluffy, buttery biscuits are the perfect way to soak up all those delicious chicken juices. You can even make your own biscuits from scratch for an extra special touch. If you're looking for some other side dish ideas, consider corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, or green beans. These are all classic comfort food sides that pair perfectly with fried chicken. Now, let's talk about presentation. You can serve your KFC-style chicken in a bucket, just like the real deal! This is a fun and festive way to present your homemade creation. Or, you can arrange the chicken on a platter and surround it with your side dishes. Don't forget the condiments! Ketchup, hot sauce, and honey are all great options for dipping your chicken. And of course, you'll need plenty of napkins – things are about to get messy! Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the moment. You've put in the effort to create this amazing meal, so now it's time to savor every bite. Gather your family and friends, put on some music, and enjoy your homemade KFC masterpiece! You deserve it.

Recipe

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Brine:

  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Gallon-sized resealable bag or container
  • Shallow dishes or pans
  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Thermometer
  • Wire rack

Instructions

Get started:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, salt, sugar, and black pepper until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized resealable bag or container and pour the brine over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the brine.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Make the dredge:

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, celery salt, ground ginger, white pepper, ground mustard, and black pepper.
  2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Fry the chicken:

  1. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. Place a piece of chicken in the flour mixture and press to coat, then dip in the egg mixture, and then dredge again in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
  3. Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (160°C).
  4. Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
  6. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Serve:

  1. Serve hot and enjoy!

Make It Your Own

And there you have it, guys! Your very own copycat KFC original fried chicken, ready to impress your family and friends. But the best part about cooking is that you can always put your own spin on things. Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own signature fried chicken flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or try using different herbs like thyme or rosemary. The possibilities are endless! And don't be afraid to try different cooking methods too. While deep frying is the classic way to make fried chicken, you can also bake it in the oven for a healthier option. Or, try using an air fryer for a crispy, delicious result with less oil. No matter how you choose to make it, I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and create some amazing fried chicken memories. Happy cooking, guys!