Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of the iconic flavors of Kentucky Fried Chicken but want to try making it at home, this copycat recipe is just what you need. Crispy, juicy, and packed with delicious herbs and spices, this fried chicken is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The flavors in this fried chicken are truly exceptional, thanks to a blend of herbs and spices that create a mouthwatering taste experience.
  2. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to recreate the magic of KFC at home.
  3. This fried chicken is great for meal prep, as it can be made in batches and enjoyed throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Fried Chicken: Whole chicken (cut up), buttermilk, large egg, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Herbs & Spices: Ground paprika, garlic powder, ground white pepper, celery salt, ground black pepper, dry ground mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, ground ginger, MSG (optional)
    *Note: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize the meat.
  2. Combine the herbs and spices with the flour to create the perfect coating for the chicken.
  3. Dip each chicken piece in beaten egg, then coat with the seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.

Helpful Tips:

  • For extra crispy chicken, double dip the chicken in the flour mixture before frying.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  • To make a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.
  2. Use a cast-iron skillet for frying to ensure an even and crispy crust.
  3. Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack after frying to keep it crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this delicious fried chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. For drinks, a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade pairs perfectly with this southern-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, place the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? While frying gives the best results, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through.
  3. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk? Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor, but you can skip this step if needed.

Conclusion:

Now that you have the secret to making delicious copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken at home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of this homemade fried chicken and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!

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Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 mins
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe allows you to make crispy and flavorful fried chicken at home that tastes just like the famous fast-food version.


Ingredients

Scale

Fried Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (cut up into 8 pieces*)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (**)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying***)

Herbs & Spices

  • ¼ cup ground paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon celery salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dry ground mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon MSG (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Combine buttermilk, egg, and half of the herbs & spices in a bowl. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  2. Dredge the chicken: In a separate bowl, mix flour with the remaining herbs & spices. Remove chicken from marinade and coat with seasoned flour.
  3. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes per batch.
  4. Drain and serve: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • *You can ask your butcher to cut the chicken into 8 pieces for you.
  • **If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • ***Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy crust on the chicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
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