Homemade KFC Original Recipe Chicken

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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