How to make crispy fried chicken at home?

Have you eaten at KFC? Today you will learn how to make fried chicken with a perfect batter, just like at this restaurant.

This fast-food chain is world-famous for its uniquely flavored and perfectly crispy pieces.

For years, diners have wanted to know their famous recipe. The reason? It leaves you wanting more.

The brand has revealed some secrets, except for the ingredients of the blend it uses to season the chicken pieces.

But it is known to contain 11 delicious herbs and spices that give it a special and spicy touch. Don’t stay curious.

Keep reading to find out which ones you can incorporate into your preparation and how to fry the chicken to make it just as tasty. 

Preparation of KFC-style fried chicken 

Start by selecting the chicken pieces, whether thighs, drumsticks, or wings. You decide which you prefer.

Brining is optional, but the advantage of using buttermilk is that it tenderizes the chicken. Additionally, it adds moisture and a pleasant acidic touch.

If you choose to add this ingredient to your recipe, let it rest in the buttermilk for at least 4 hours.

Or preferably overnight, covered with plastic wrap to preserve it better. Without this step, it won’t turn out as you want.

When it’s ready, prepare the batter. You can use bread crumbs or flour and the seasonings you like best.

For example, allspice or cayenne, salt, paprika, or red chili powder to add the characteristic spicy aroma of KFC.

If you want a neutral flavor, that’s fine, so just use salt and pepper. However, herbs and spices give the chicken an extra boost. 

Recipe for crispy fried chicken KFC style 

Many people love KFC chicken. This is why more than one fan has tried to replicate the original recipe.

Especially after the Chicago Tribune newspaper revealed an alleged copy of the secret formula.

It was said to have been found by chance in a manuscript from Colonel Sanders’ family, the founder of the franchise.

However, some consider it a marketing strategy, so the recipe would be well-guarded.

Similar versions are based on leaked information on how to make homemade KFC-style fried chicken. Therefore, it’s likely that some ingredients are missing. 

The secret of KFC chicken lies in the spices 

Harland Sanders always maintained that the ingredients for his chicken were found in any pantry.

Although he admitted they included salt and pepper, he never said what else was in the blend with which he seasoned them.

However, according to the Chicago Tribune publication, the secret lies in the spices used.

Ingredients for the KFC Coating Recipe

How to make fried chicken with KFC-style breading? Versions of the original recipe use a combination of spices.

It includes basil, thyme, black and white pepper, oregano, ground mustard, salt, celery, paprika, garlic, and ground ginger.

They also incorporate all-purpose flour, buttermilk, egg, and optionally, a flavor enhancer.

It is known that Harland Sanders used cottonseed oil to fry his classic breaded chicken pieces.

But now, hydrogenated oil is used for frying as it is a healthier product.

How to Make Fried Chicken?

There is a clear difference between homemade KFC-style chicken and the one you buy at the restaurant. What is it? The cooking system.

To make it perfectly crispy and juicy, you need to pressure fry it. That is, with a closed fryer that releases steam.

Why? It helps it cook faster and with less oil than a conventional fryer. This allows it to retain moisture and flavor.

At the same time, it eliminates excess fat, ensuring a healthier edible product.

If you don’t have a pressure fryer, you can cook it in a cast-iron pot or Dutch oven with a lid.

In some places, it’s known as a Dutch oven or casserole. A deep skillet will also work.

Tips for Breading Chicken

Want to know how to achieve a perfect breading for your chicken? After taking it out of the buttermilk, egg, and spice mixture, pat it dry.

This way, you’ll remove the excess liquid so it doesn’t drip when coating it with flour. Ensure that the flour adheres well.

Completely coat the chicken pieces with the breading to get the crunchy texture you’re looking for.

Avoid handling the pieces too much while frying to prevent the coating from falling off. Place them in the fryer with some space between them.

When you see the edges turning golden, it’s the right time to flip them without damaging them.

You’ll experience the delicious taste of perfectly breaded chicken. Even the most demanding will be satisfied.

How to Store Fried Chicken

If you prepare large quantities, you’ll need to store them well to eat later, for food safety reasons.

How to make fried chicken and store it? Remember not to leave it unrefrigerated for more than 30 to 60 minutes.

Before it’s ready to be placed in the fridge, it takes about half an hour to cool down completely.

Keep this in mind so as not to ruin the breading, its texture, and flavor. It’s advisable to wrap each piece in aluminum foil.

Once wrapped, store them in a freezer bag. This will keep them in good condition for 5 days or up to 12 months if refrigerated at zero degrees.

Even if you eat it six months after preparing it, the chicken will feel crispy, moist, and exquisite. 

Do you love KFC? Try these copycat recipes! 

To enjoy the chicken you like, you don’t necessarily have to visit this fast-food chain.

There is the alternative of preparing it at home. Here are some recipes to make it as close as possible to the original. Take a look.

Crispy and Juicy Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 8 pieces of chicken (thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 ½ cups of wheat flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 ½ tbsp salt
• 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 ½ tbsp garlic powder
• 1 ½ tbsp black pepper
• 1 ½ tbsp white pepper
• 1 ½ tbsp celery
• 1 ½ tbsp ground mustard
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tbsp oregano
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp vodka
• Oil

Step-by-step 

Salt the chicken and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator. Combine the spices to prepare your seasoning mix.

With one half, completely coat the thighs and drumsticks. Add the flour and cornstarch to the remaining mixture.

Separately, beat the egg whites with the vodka and buttermilk. Cover the chicken with this mixture and then pass it through the flour combination.

Place on a rack to rest at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes so the coating can set.

Fry in hot oil and use tongs to turn every 3 minutes so it browns and cooks through. Remove the dish from the pan and enjoy it.

Spicy and Crunchy Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in and skin-on)
• 2 cups of wheat flour
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• ¼ cup of cornstarch
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp mixed herbs
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp grated garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp hot sauce

Step-by-step 

Wash the chicken and make some deep cuts with a knife. Prepare a brine with the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic.

Place in a bowl and add the pieces. Ensure they are fully submerged in the mixture. Cover and let it rest for 4 hours in the fridge.

Take it out of the refrigerator half an hour before frying. In a deep skillet, heat the oil and, in the meantime, prepare the coating.

For that, use the mixed herbs and the rest of the ingredients. Take the thighs and drumsticks out of the brine one by one and coat them with the flour mixture.

Repeat the breading to get a thick layer and fry, turning at medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Done!

Try these homemade recipes on how to make fried chicken. That way, you won’t be left craving it when it’s not possible to go to the restaurant.