Kfc Fried Chicken

Published: June 5, 2025

by Sofia

Crispy, juicy KFC fried chicken is a dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its special blend of herbs and spices, this homemade version captures the iconic taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken right in your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply a cozy dinner at home, this recipe stands out for its delightful crunch and mouthwatering flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Follow: This KFC fried chicken recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Flavor Packed: The unique combination of seasonings creates a deliciously crispy outer layer that complements the tender chicken inside.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a classic meal, or enjoy it on a bun as a sandwich.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, game day, or a weekend family dinner, this dish fits every occasion perfectly.
Family Favorite: Everyone loves fried chicken! This recipe will surely become a staple at your dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect KFC fried chicken, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key utensils you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep fryer or Dutch oven
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Deep fryer or Dutch oven: Essential for achieving the right temperature and even cooking while frying your chicken.
Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the chicken and mixing your flour with seasonings.
Whisk or fork: Helps to combine buttermilk and egg smoothly before marinating.
Tongs: Ideal for safely handling hot chicken pieces while frying.

Ingredients

Crispy, juicy fried chicken made with a special blend of herbs and spices to recreate the classic KFC taste at home.

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces.
1 cup buttermilk.
1 large egg, beaten.

For the Seasoning Mix

2 cups all-purpose flour.
1/4 cup paprika.
2 tablespoons garlic powder.
2 tablespoons white pepper.
1 tablespoon celery salt.
1 tablespoon black pepper.
1 tablespoon dry mustard.
2 teaspoons kosher salt.
2 teaspoons onion powder.
2 teaspoons dried thyme.
2 teaspoons dried basil.
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano.
1 teaspoon ground ginger.
1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional).

For Frying

Vegetable oil for frying.

How to Make Kfc Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into 8 pieces to ensure even cooking and proper frying.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and beaten egg using a whisk until smooth.
Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In another large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ground ginger, and MSG (if using).
Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix until fully coated; shake off any excess flour.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place 3-4 pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding.
Fry each batch for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Keep Warm While Cooking Remaining Pieces

Transfer finished pieces to a warm oven set at 175°F while frying additional batches to keep them hot and crispy.

This homemade KFC fried chicken recipe will surely impress your family and friends with its authentic taste! Enjoy every crispy bite!

How to Serve Kfc Fried Chicken

Serving KFC fried chicken is all about enhancing its deliciousness while keeping the meal experience enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this crispy delight.

Classic Sides

Coleslaw – A refreshing crunch that complements the juicy chicken.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes smothered in gravy create a comforting combo.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet, buttery corn adds a bright flavor contrast.

Unique Pairings

Mac and Cheese – Rich and cheesy pasta makes for a decadent addition.
Biscuit – Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
Pickles – Tangy pickles provide a delightful zing to balance the richness of the chicken.

Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy, this sauce elevates each bite of chicken.
Barbecue Sauce – Smoky barbecue sauce enhances the flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.

How to Perfect Kfc Fried Chicken

Perfecting your homemade KFC fried chicken requires attention to detail. With these tips, you’ll achieve that crispy texture and flavorful taste every time.

Brine the Chicken – Soaking your chicken in buttermilk ensures it stays moist and tender.
Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices pack more flavor than pre-ground ones, enhancing your dish.
Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping the oil at 350°F prevents soggy chicken and promotes even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer – Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results.
Let It Rest – Allowing cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping each piece juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Kfc Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with KFC fried chicken can take your meal to new heights. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Biscuits – Soft and flaky biscuits are ideal for sopping up gravy or enjoying on their own.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are a hearty pairing for fried chicken.
Green Beans – Steamed green beans add color and a healthy crunch to your plate.
Fried Okra – This Southern classic adds a unique texture and flavor alongside fried chicken.
Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to hot, crispy chicken.
Macaroni Salad – A chilled macaroni salad is refreshing and pairs well with savory dishes like fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making KFC Fried Chicken, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the marinade – Not marinating the chicken can lead to dry meat. Always marinate in buttermilk and egg for at least 30 minutes to ensure juiciness.
Incorrect oil temperature – Frying at the wrong temperature can result in soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain oil around 350°F.
Overcrowding the fryer – Adding too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.
Not using enough seasoning – Under-seasoned flour will yield bland chicken. Make sure to thoroughly mix all spices with the flour for that authentic KFC flavor.
Ignoring internal temperature – Serving undercooked chicken is unsafe. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store fried chicken in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Kfc Fried Chicken

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen chicken is best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Kfc Fried Chicken

Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.
Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add chicken and cover, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making KFC Fried Chicken.

Can I use other parts of the chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs, wings, or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What makes this Kfc Fried Chicken recipe special?

This recipe replicates the secret blend of herbs and spices used by KFC, giving you that delicious flavor at home.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of KFC fried chicken.

How spicy is this Kfc Fried Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of paprika and black pepper in the seasoning mix.

Final Thoughts

This KFC Fried Chicken recipe offers crispy, juicy pieces that are perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Its versatility means you can customize it with your favorite spices or dipping sauces. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!