Experience the beloved taste of KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken right in your kitchen! This recipe captures the perfect blend of spices and the secret frying technique that creates a crunchy, flavorful, and juicy fried chicken. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a comforting meal at home, this version is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 lbs (about 1.8 kg) chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Flour Mixture:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, white pepper, baking powder, baking soda, MSG (if using), and salt.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes to help the coating adhere better.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry in batches, cooking for about 12-15 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.