Non Veg Recipes Mason Williams March 8, 2025 0 Comments

Kentucky Fried Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

If you’ve ever craved that irresistible crunch and signature blend of herbs and spices from Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’re not alone. For decades, KFC has been a go-to for comfort food lovers worldwide. But what if I told you that you could recreate the Kentucky Fried Chicken copycat recipe in your own kitchen—without any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients?

After multiple kitchen experiments, tweaking spices, and getting that crispy texture just right, I finally nailed it. This blog will guide you step-by-step through making the perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe at home, along with tips, FAQs, and insights to ensure your homemade version is just as delicious as the original.

Table of Contents

The Magic Behind Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Flavor

What makes Kentucky Fried Chicken so special? It’s not just the crispy coating—it’s the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that give it that signature flavor. While the official recipe remains locked away in KFC’s vault, food enthusiasts and chefs have worked tirelessly to reverse-engineer it.

What’s in the Famous Spice Blend?

Colonel Sanders’ legendary Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe supposedly includes a mix of common pantry spices. Here’s a tried-and-tested blend that comes incredibly close to the real deal:

2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp white pepper (a secret game-changer)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp celery salt

This mix delivers that signature savory, slightly peppery, and herby taste we all love.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Best Kentucky Fried Chicken Copycat Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 whole chicken (cut into 8-10 pieces) or bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch!)
1 tbsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, but adds a nice kick)
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This tenderizes the meat and helps the flour coating stick better.

2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the spice blend. This is where the magic happens! The cornstarch makes the chicken extra crispy.

3. Coat the Chicken

In another bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour mix.
Repeat this process twice for a thicker, crunchier coating.

4. Fry to Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan.
Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep the coating crunchy.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate KFC-Style Fried Chicken

Use White Pepper – It’s a key ingredient that gives KFC its distinct flavor.
Double Dipping is Key – A second coating of flour gives you that thick, craggy crust.
Fry at the Right Temperature – Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cold, and the chicken gets greasy.
Let It Rest – Resting the fried chicken on a wire rack keeps it from getting soggy.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk – It ensures juicy, tender meat while adding subtle tanginess.

How Does This Copycat Recipe Compare to Real KFC?

The first time I tried making this Kentucky Fried Chicken copycat recipe, I was skeptical. Would it really taste like the real thing? Surprisingly, it was spot on—the crispiness, the flavor, the juicy inside.

However, homemade fried chicken does have a slight edge over store-bought KFC. The fresh ingredients, lack of preservatives, and ability to tweak seasonings to personal taste make it even better!

Final Thoughts: Is This Recipe Worth Trying?

Absolutely! If you love Kentucky Fried Chicken, this recipe is a game-changer. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry, the result is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed fried chicken that rivals the real thing. Plus, making it at home means no mystery ingredients, no long lines, and total control over flavor and spice levels.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, heat that oil, and enjoy the best homemade KFC-style fried chicken today!

Common Questions About Making Kentucky Fried Chicken at Home

1. Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes! While frying gives the best texture, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes after spraying it with oil.

2. How do I store and reheat fried chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

3. Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely! Spray the coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Does KFC use pressure frying?

Yes, KFC uses pressure fryers for fast, even cooking while keeping the chicken extra juicy. Home cooks can’t replicate this exactly, but deep frying at the right temperature comes close.