KFC Chicken Copycat [Video] (2024)

KFC Chicken is undeniably one of the best tasting fast food meals around the world. Juicy and crispy, learn how to cook it the right way at home.

Want to try making homemade versions of popular fast food meals? Now, you can enjoy these dishes in your kitchen if you check out my recipes for Wendy’s Chili, Chipotle Chicken, and Panera Bread’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

Fried Chicken Recipe

KFC Chicken is undoubtedly an international sensation with its iconic herb and spices secret recipe. It belongs to the world’s most popular fast food dishes and rightly so because it really does taste extraordinary.

A lot of my friends and family crave it which is why I decided to try and replicate the taste of this iconic and nostalgic dish. I experimented several times and finally, I got a recipe that I am sure is the closest there is to the real thing.

The meat oozes with flavor and juiciness that your guests would not even realize that it is a homemade recipe. Not to mention, its less expensive to make it at home and it is better to know what ingredients went into your dish.

It really isn’t even that complicated which is why it would be a nice addition to learn this recipe to satisfy your KFC cravings anytime. I really had fun making a copycat of such an iconic meal and I hope you get to enjoy it as well.

How to make KFC Chicken

Prep meat. Cut whole chicken according to the desired number of pieces. However, you could also separate it into its parts: drumstick, thigh, wings, and breast.
Marinate. Mix buttermilk and pickle juice in a separate bowl. Then, marinate the meat for a minimum of 2 hours.
Prepare flour mix for coating. In another bowl, mix all the seasoning.
Coat. Dip the pieces into the coating mixture. Lay it on a cookie sheet. Then, let it rest for 20 minutes.
Fry. Prepare the deep fryer by making sure that the oil will fully submerge the pieces. Heat to 350F and fry in batches for 15 minutes.
Serve. Remove excess oil by putting it in a drying rack or draping a paper towel. Then, serve.

How to get the chicken extra crispy?

The key to getting that extra crunch is to make sure that you heat your oil properly. Never dip it in warm oil as it will make it soggy.

What to serve with KFC Chicken?

While KFC chicken can be enjoyed as is, you can make it into a full course meal by having these sides:

Oven-Baked Potatoes
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Coleslaw

A crispy skin also works best with a flavorful sauce. Add a little kick to this classic dish by following my recipes for:

Sweet and Sour Sauce
Barbecue Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce

How to store leftovers?

As soon as all guests have filled themselves, store the chicken immediately. The longer it stays at room temperature, the faster it will spoil.

To store cooked chicken leftovers properly, put them in a food storage container, and place it on the top part of your fridge. Make sure that they are placed far from any kind of raw meat.

More delicious chicken recipes:

Baked Hawaiian Chicken
Chick Fill A Nuggets
Roasted Chicken Breasts
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Lemon Chicken Piccata

Recipe tips:

If you aren’t storing leftovers, but those that are right off the fryer, let the steam evaporate first. Wait for at least 30 minutes to remove any excess steam before putting it in the fridge.
Trying to avoid oily food? For a healthier result, make this recipe by using an air fryer.
Also, feel free to use other seasonings such as taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, cajun seasoning.

KFC Chicken Copycat

Prep Time2H 30 MIN
Cook Time30 MIN
Servings 10 pieces
See Also
Homemade Copycat KFC Potato Wedges

Ingredients

▢ 1 or 2 chickens cut into 10 pieces (2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs and the breasts each cut in half to make 4 pieces)

Dry Mix:

▢ 2 cups all-purpose white flour
▢ 2 teaspoons salt
▢ 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
▢ 4 tablespoons paprika
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon dried parsley
▢ 1 tablespoon celery salt
▢ 2 tablespoons garlic powder
▢ 1 tablespoon black pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
▢ 2 tablespoons white pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon ground ginger

Marinade:

▢ 1 cup buttermilk
▢ 1 cup pickle juice
▢ Oil for deep frying

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Instructions

▢
Mix all of the herbs and spices from the Dry Mix list and set aside.
▢
Cut the chicken into pieces.
▢
In a large bowl mix buttermilk with pickle juice, add chicken pieces, stir to coat. Cover and marinate for 2-8 hours in the fridge.
▢
Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess buttermilk drip off.
▢
Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture on all sides, then shake off the excess coating.
▢
Place it on a cookie sheet and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
▢
Add oil to a deep fryer or a large pot that is at least 5 inches high.
▢
Heat the oil to 350 degrees and fry the chicken in small batches for 15-18 minutes, until nicely golden-brown.
▢
Remove the chicken from the oil and add to a drying rack on top of a clean cookie sheet for any excess oil to drip off.
▢
Do not place it directly on a paper towel, the bottom of the chicken will steam from the heat and become soft.
▢
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

FAQs

What is KFC chicken coating made of? ›

What is the KFC secret recipe? According to the Chicago Tribune, the original recipe consists of 11 herbs and spices, including: salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper.

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How does KFC get their chicken so crispy? ›

The key with LJS and KFC is that they fry in oil under pressure getting the oil super heated so it crisps the battered skin as the chicken cooks.

Does KFC deep fry or bake their chicken? ›

KFC deep fries its chicken for 15 minutes and then drains the oil off for another five minutes – 20 minutes in total. If you don't have a deep fryer, heat up plenty of oil in a large saucepan and do it that way.

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How does KFC get their chicken so tender? ›

The combination of blistering hot oil and high pressure softens the connective tissue within the chicken in a special way that makes it extra delicious.

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Why is KFC chicken so tasty? ›

KFC's irresistible taste can be attributed to a combination of factors, including their secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, unique cooking techniques, and the use of quality ingredients.

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Is KFC battered or breaded? ›

Our iconic fried chicken is freshly prepared and hand-breaded by our trained cooks in restaurant every single day, using the type of ingredients you'd find in your kitchen at home.

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What frying oil does KFC use? ›

KFC products are fried in oil which may contain the following: Canola Oil and Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added To Protect Flavor, Dimethylpolysiloxane, an Antifoaming Agent Added OR Low Linolenic Soybean Oil, TBHQ and Citric Acid Added To Protect Flavor, Dimethylpolysiloxane, an Antifoaming ...

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What is the ingredient list for KFC chicken? ›

Original Recipe® Chicken Fresh chicken. Breaded in: Wheat flour, Salt, Monosodium glutamate, Spices, Dehydrated garlic, Modified milk ingredients, Dried egg white (Egg white, Baker's yeast, Citric acid). Cooked in: Canola oil (Dimethylpolysiloxane (Antifoaming agent), TBHQ). Contains: Wheat, Milk, Egg.

Do KFC fry their chips in the same oil as chicken? ›

Had to get chips from McDonald's though, as KFC's ones weren't vegan.” KFC confirmed on Twitter that the chips aren't vegan-friendly. The chain said: "Unfortunately due to kitchen constraints, our fries are cooked in the same oil as our popcorn chicken."

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What cuts of chicken do KFC use? ›

These are the pieces that KFC fries up and serves. 2 legs. 2 wings. 2 thighs.

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What to dip chicken in before breading? ›

Moisten chicken with water, then dip in the seasoned flour. Dip the chicken in the batter, then dip it again in the seasoned flour. Fry the chicken until it's crispy and well-browned.

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What is the white stuff on KFC chicken? ›

The white stringy parts in chicken breasts are tendons.

Tendons are strong connective tissue made primarily of collagen and they attach the meat to the bone. Because connective tissues have to work to pull the bones when muscles contract, they have to be incredibly tough to withstand all that motion.

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What does KFC fry their chicken in oil? ›

What is KFC wrap made of? ›

The KFC Twister Wrap is a bigger, toasted wrap that's filled with 2 Original Recipe tenders, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and KFC's special pepper mayo. Come satisfy your chicken wrap craving at one of the participating test locations below.

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What kind of MSG is in KFC? ›

Yes, KFC does use MSG (monosodium glutamate) in some of their chicken recipes. MSG is a common flavor enhancer utilized by many restaurants to add an extra savoriness to their foods. Here's the breakdown: * The Colonel's Original Recipe: The famous Original Recipe chicken DOES include MSG.