Experience the joy of crispy, flavorful fried chicken at home with this inspired recipe for KFC’s Original Secret Chicken. This dish captures the essence of the beloved fast-food favorite, featuring a perfectly seasoned and crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and a blend of secret spices that tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for family gatherings or a weekend treat, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen pro!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, and wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
For the Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, and white pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step tenderizes the chicken and enhances flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, white pepper, and baking powder.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow excess marinade to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack to rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade KFC-style chicken hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.