If you have ever craved chicken with that perfect crispy crust and juicy, tender meat just like at your favorite fast-food joint, this KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures that iconic blend of spices and buttermilk marinade that results in mouthwatering fried chicken, crispy on the outside and irresistibly flavorful on the inside. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat or a family gathering, this recipe brings the classic taste of Southern-style fried chicken right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and clear steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this chicken unforgettable. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the meat to the secret blend of herbs and spices in the flour, every component is essential.
- Whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces): Using bone-in pieces ensures juicy, tender meat inside that cooks evenly.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): This tangy liquid tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoning adhere beautifully.
- Salt (2 teaspoons, divided): Enhances flavor and helps draw out moisture for a crispier crust.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and earthy depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The fundamental base for the crispy coating that fries up golden brown.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon): Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and rich color to the crust.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers savory warmth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor enhancing overall taste.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a slight herbal freshness that balances the spices.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a hint of sweetness and depth.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Gives an earthy and slightly bitter undertone.
- Celery salt (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle savory notes that lift the flavor profile.
- White pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle peppery kick without black specks in the coating.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Introduces a faint spicy warmth that’s uniquely delightful.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild tang and complexity to the crust.
- Vegetable oil for deep frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
How to Make KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic starts with soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk along with some salt and black pepper. This step is crucial because the acidity in the buttermilk gently tenderizes the meat and helps infuse flavor deep inside, while also preparing the surface for the coating to stick like a dream. Ideally, let your chicken marinate for at least four hours or overnight for the juiciest results.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Coating
While your chicken is soaking, whisk together the flour and all the spices and herbs into a flavorful dry mix. This blend is what gives the crust its signature KFC-style taste. Don’t rush this – evenly mixing the seasoning into the flour ensures every bite bursts with that irresistible blend of herbs and spices.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour into the surface to build a thick, crunchy crust. Letting the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes really helps the flour set and ensures the crunch stays crispy after frying.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 325°F (165°C). Fry the chicken in batches without crowding the pot to maintain that steady temperature. Turn the pieces occasionally and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack so it stays crisp and not soggy while draining excess oil.
How to Serve KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges lighten and brighten the plate, offering subtle freshness against the richness of the fried chicken. They provide a lovely visual contrast and a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
No fried chicken meal feels complete without classic sides. Go for creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, buttery biscuits, or even some tangy pickles alongside your KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe. These sides add texture, coolness, and contrast that elevate every bite to a soul-satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fried chicken with a drizzle of honey or spicy dipping sauces like cayenne ranch or classic hot sauce. Arrange the chicken pieces in a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment paper for a casual picnic vibe. Or create a platter with vibrant veggies and fresh herbs to brighten up the table and wow your guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fried chicken pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the crispy coating as intact as possible is key, so avoid stacking the pieces directly on top of each other to maintain crunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your fried chicken, first let it cool to room temperature, then wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fried chicken can last for up to 2 months, ready to bring back that crave-worthy KFC style any time.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness after storage or freezing, reheat your chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This approach prevents sogginess and keeps that golden crunch you love from the original KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! While a whole chicken gives you a nice variety of white and dark meat, chicken breasts or thighs can work as well. Just adjust cooking time and be careful not to overcook to keep the meat juicy.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Make sure your seasoning blend doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You can bake it for a healthier option, but frying is what creates the crispy golden crust unique to this recipe. To bake, spray the coated chicken with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and crispy, though the texture will differ slightly.
What’s the purpose of marinating in buttermilk?
The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken meat and helps the coating stick better to the chicken. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the spice mix beautifully.
Can I double-dip the chicken for extra crunch?
Definitely! After the first coating, dip the chicken briefly back into the buttermilk and then coat it again in the flour mixture. This double layer results in a thicker, crunchier crust just like your favorite restaurants serve.
Final Thoughts
This KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to bring that classic, crave-worthy crispiness home any day of the week. Once you nail this method, you’ll find yourself craving that rich, spiced coating and juicy interior over and over again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to the perfect homemade fried chicken experience that tastes just like the fast-food favorite but crafted with love in your own kitchen.
Print
KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4-12 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This KFC Style Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, flavorful Southern-style fried chicken with a perfect blend of herbs and spices. Marinated in buttermilk for tenderness and coated in a seasoned flour mixture, the chicken is deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crunchy crust and juicy interior. Ideal for a comforting main course that satisfies cravings for classic American fried chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the buttermilk over them. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, celery salt, white pepper, ground ginger, and mustard powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the surface to create a thick and even crust. Place the coated pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes to help the coating adhere better.
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 325°F (165°C), ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for even frying.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pot. Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. The chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance its texture and juiciness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by briefly returning it to the buttermilk and coating it again in seasoned flour before frying.
- Serve hot alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or warm biscuits for an authentic KFC-style meal.
- Maintain oil temperature carefully during frying to ensure even cooking and avoid greasy chicken.
