Description
This Homemade KFC Chicken recipe is a crave-worthy copycat that brings the iconic flavor and crispy coating of Kentucky Fried Chicken right to your kitchen. Using a blend of 11 secret herbs and spices, tender marinated chicken, and the perfect frying method, you’ll get juicy, golden-brown pieces just like your favorite fast-food treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 chicken, cut up into eight pieces
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or peanut oil)
- MSG seasoning (like Ajinomoto or Accent, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with all herbs and spices; set aside.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg until well combined.
- Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, tossing to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top; set aside.
- Heat 3 inches of neutral oil in a Dutch oven or electric fryer to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
- Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Shake off excess flour.
- Carefully place dredged chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking 3–4 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each piece for about 12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried chicken to the prepared rack and place in the preheated oven to keep warm.
- Allow the oil to return to 350°F before frying more chicken. Repeat dredging and frying until all chicken is cooked.
- Check that all pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle with a few shakes of MSG before serving if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight yields the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil stays at 350°F for perfect crispiness.
- Oven-warming helps maintain crispiness while frying batches.
- Skip the MSG if sensitive or prefer all-natural seasonings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg