KFC Fried Chicken was created by Harland Sanders (Colonel Sanders) in 1939 in the United States. Driven by a desire to develop a new and flavorful way to cook chicken, Sanders introduced a seasoned coating and a unique frying method. The original recipe—famously known as the “11 herbs and spices” formula—has remained a closely guarded secret to this day. Over the years, KFC grew into one of the world’s largest and most popular fast-food chains, with its iconic slogan, «Finger Lickin’ Good» becoming a symbol of its unmatched taste and quality.
Fried chicken is one of the most beloved fast-food dishes worldwide, and KFC’s distinctive flavor and crispy coating have set the standard for making it. If you’d like to recreate KFC-style chicken at home, this article is your complete guide. We’ll introduce KFC fried chicken seasoning, walk you through the recipe, highlight the key steps, and cover the essential spices you’ll need to achieve that signature taste.
Ingredients of KFC Fried Chicken Powder
KFC fried chicken powder is a special blend of spices and selected flours that gives the chicken its unique flavor and extra-crispy texture. While this powder is available ready-made in some stores, many home cooks prefer to prepare it themselves by combining different seasonings. The mixture typically includes wheat flour, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, thyme, oregano, mustard powder, and cayenne or red pepper. Together, these ingredients create the distinctive taste and texture that make KFC fried chicken so iconic and widely loved.
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Ingredients for making Kentucky KFC fried chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts: 1 kilogram (with skin is better)
- Buttermilk or thin yogurt: 2 cups
- Eggs: 2
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika (smoked or plain): 1 teaspoon
- Red pepper or cayenne: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Oil for frying: as needed
How to Make Kentucky KFC-Style Fried Chicken
1. Marinating the chicken
Marinating is a crucial step to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender during frying. Place the chicken pieces (preferably with skin) in a mixture of buttermilk (fermented doogh), salt, and black pepper. Thanks to its acidity, buttermilk softens the chicken and helps the spices absorb more deeply.
If buttermilk isn’t available, you can substitute thin yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
The chickens should stay in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. This not only makes the texture of the chicken tender; it also lets the flavor of the spices penetrate more deeply into the meat.
2. Preparing the breading powder
In a large deep bowl, prepare a mix of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and special spices. Adding cornstarch along with the flour helps make the outer layer of the chicken much crispier.
Recommended spices for the coating include: Paprika (for color and mild smokiness), Garlic powder, Onion powder, Black pepper, Red pepper or cayenne (optional, for added heat), Salt, Thyme and Dried pennyroyal, Mustard powder, Ginger powder (optional, for added complexity) This mixture is inspired by KFC’s famous “11 herbs and spices” and defines the final flavor of the dish.
3. Preparing the eggs
In a separate bowl, crack a few eggs (usually 2 to 3, depending on the amount of chicken) and beat well until the yolks and whites are completely combined. You can add a little milk or buttermilk for more stickiness so it holds the coating on the chicken well.
4. Breading the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and let their excess liquid drain a little. Then do the following steps in order: place the chicken piece in the beaten eggs so it’s completely coated. Then roll it in the mixture of flour and spices so all parts are well covered. For a thicker, crisper crust, you can repeat this process twice (that is, again into the beaten eggs and then into the flour). In the end, gently shake each piece so the excess flour is removed.
5. Frying
In a deep pot or pan, pour a generous amount of oil (preferably a frying oil with a high smoke point). Heat the oil to about 170 to 180°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it starts bubbling quickly, the oil is ready.
Place the chicken pieces in the oil one by one, with space between them. Avoid overfilling the pot, because the oil temperature will drop and the chicken will become oily. Each side of the chicken should be fried for about 6 to 8 minutes (12 to 15 minutes in total) until it reaches a golden-brown color and is cooked through.
Important note: If the chicken pieces are large, first cook or steam them a little, then fry so the inside doesn’t remain undercooked.
6. Draining Excess Oil
After frying, place the chicken pieces on a wire rack or absorbent paper towel to remove any excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy. The chicken should be served immediately after preparation to maintain its crispiness.
What Is the Secret Behind the Crispiness of KFC Fried Chicken?
One of the most distinctive qualities of KFC chicken is its crispy exterior combined with a tender interior. Achieving this exceptional texture depends on several key factors:
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, or diluted yogurt mixed with lemon juice, for several hours (or overnight) helps soften the meat and enhance its succulence.
- Using cornstarch alongside flour enhances the crispiness of the outer coating.
- Dipping the chicken twice—first in the flour mixture and then in the liquid—creates a thicker coating and results in a noticeably crisp surface.
- Maintaining the right oil temperature (around 170–180°C) ensures even frying while preventing the chicken from becoming greasy.
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Tips for Serving Fried Chicken
- Pair with Honey Mustard Sauce or Barbecue Sauce
Serving fried chicken with honey mustard sauce or barbecue sauce adds a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavors to its crispy texture, creating a more enjoyable dining experience. If you wish, gently warm the sauce and serve it separately so that guests can help themselves as they prefer.
- Fried or mashed potatoes are an excellent accompaniment to Fried Chicken.
Potatoes especially when freshly fried and crispy make an excellent complement to fried chicken, creating a satisfying and filling meal. For a more distinctive flavor, try Mazid’s French Fries seasoning, a blend of aromatic spices with gentle chili.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little parsley powder or Parmesan cheese over the hot chicken.
These additions lend both aroma and elegance to the dish, making it visually more appealing as well. The Parmesan, when combined with the heat of the chicken, melts slightly and imparts a rich, delightful taste.
- Choose a healthier option with an air fryer if you are following a low-oil diet.
If you prefer a low-oil diet, an air fryer allows you to achieve golden, crispy chicken without deep frying, resulting in fewer calories. You can also prepare fries in the air fryer and season them with a professional-style potato spice blend for a restaurant-quality taste at home.
Can you make KFC fried chicken in the oven?
Yes, making KFC fried chicken in the oven is completely possible and is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. After marinating and breading, arrange the chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with oil and bake in a preheated 200 °C oven. The baking time is about 30–45 minutes; flip the pieces halfway so both sides turn golden and crisp. The result is tasty, healthier chicken with a texture close to the fried version.
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If you wish your fried chicken to taste exactly like professional, restaurant-quality dishes, we recommend using Mazid’s Restaurant-Style Breading Seasoning. Expertly crafted with a balanced blend of aromatic seasoning and premium spices, it allows you to prepare chicken that is crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly fragrant just like KFC, but at home. Moreover, it is not limited to chicken alone; it also works wonderfully with French fries, Mushrooms, Fried cheese, and even Grilled vegetables.
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