KFC Original Recipe “Secret” Fried Chicken 🍗✨
Crispy, juicy, and packed with that iconic 11-herb-and-spice flavor, this copycat recipe comes close to the real deal! While the exact KFC recipe is a closely guarded secret, this version nails the taste and crunch.
📝 Ingredients
For the Brine (Optional, but Recommended):
-
4 cups cold water
-
¼ cup salt (for tenderizing)
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
1 tsp paprika
For the Coating:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 tsp salt
-
1½ tsp black pepper
-
1½ tsp MSG (Accent seasoning) or extra salt
-
1½ tsp garlic powder
-
1½ tsp onium powder
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp dried basil
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 tsp celery salt
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½ tsp ground ginger
-
½ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
-
½ tsp mustard powder
For Frying:
-
1 whole chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces (or 4 lbs drumsticks/thighs)
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
-
Peanut or vegetable oil for deep frying
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brine the Chicken (Optional but Key for Juiciness)
-
Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge chicken, and refrigerate 4-12 hours. Rinse and pat dry before coating.
2️⃣ Mix the Coating
-
Whisk all dry coating ingredients in a large bowl.
3️⃣ Dip & Coat
-
In another bowl, mix buttermilk and eggs.
-
Dip each chicken piece in buttermilk mixture, then coat heavily in the flour-spice mix.
-
For extra crunch, double-dip: Repeat buttermilk and flour coating.
4️⃣ Fry to Golden Perfection
-
Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer.
-
Fry 2-3 pieces at a time for 12-15 mins (dark meat) or 8-10 mins (wings/breasts), until golden and 165°F (74°C) inside.
-
Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels—keeps it crispier!).
💡 Pro Tips
✔ MSG is the “secret”—it enhances flavor like the original.
✔ For extra crispiness, let coated chicken rest 10 mins before frying.
✔ Oven “fried” version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 mins, flipping halfway.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
-
Classic sides: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.
-
Dip it: KFC’s gravy or honey mustard.
Not exactly the Colonel’s secret, but dangerously close! 😉
Want extra crunch? Add 1 tsp baking powder to the flour mix!