How To Make Kfc’s Fried Chicken – A Step-by-step Guide For The Perfect Meal!

Craving that iconic KFC-style fried chicken but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you create finger-lickin’ good chicken that rivals the original.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

#1. Prepare the Chicken

• Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
• Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

#2. Create the Coating

• In a separate large bowl, whisk together all the coating ingredients.

#3. Coat the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess.
• Dredge each chicken piece in the coating mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
• Shake off any excess coating.

#4. Let the Chicken Rest

• Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken and prevent it from falling off during frying.

#5. Heat the Oil

• Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of at least 3 inches.
• Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

#6. Fry the Chicken

• Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil.
• Fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

#7. Drain and Serve

• Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pot when frying.
• Cook the chicken to the correct internal temperature to prevent undercooking or overcooking.
• Let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.

Troubleshooting

• My chicken is too greasy: Drain the chicken thoroughly on paper towels after frying and use a deep fryer or large pot with enough oil to prevent overcrowding.
• My coating is falling off: Ensure the chicken is well-coated and allowed to rest before frying. You can also try using a thicker buttermilk mixture or adding a small amount of egg wash to the buttermilk.
• My chicken is not crispy: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and cook the chicken for the recommended time.

Variations

• Spicy KFC-Style Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture.
• Herb-infused KFC-Style Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano or thyme to the coating mixture.
• Gluten-free KFC-Style Chicken: Use gluten-free flour in the coating mixture.

“The End”

With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can now recreate the iconic KFC-style fried chicken experience in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful, and satisfying dish with your family and friends.

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. However, they will cook faster, so reduce the frying time to 8-10 minutes.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture?
A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, but 4-8 hours is usually sufficient.

Q: What is the best oil to use for frying?
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices for frying.