Best 7 Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipes

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Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC, is a world-renowned fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken. Its crispy, flavorful chicken has captured the hearts of millions and become an iconic dish enjoyed by people of all ages. This article presents a collection of copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken recipes that aim to recreate the mouthwatering taste of KFC's signature dish right in your own kitchen. From classic fried chicken to oven-baked and air-fryer versions, these recipes offer a range of options to suit different cooking preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress your friends and family, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a delicious and satisfying KFC-inspired meal.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

KFC FRIED CHICKEN



KFC Fried Chicken image

Recreate KFC Fried Chicken at home with this copycat recipe.

Provided by Stephanie Manley

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups all-purpose flour
⅔ tablespoon salt
½ tablespoon ground thyme
½ tablespoon basil
⅓ tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
4 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons ground white pepper
½ teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer (MSG) (optional)
1 whole chicken
1 egg (beaten)
1 cup full-fat buttermilk
vegetable oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Cut the chicken into breast, thigh, leg, and wing pieces.
  • In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and all of the seasonings.
  • In a large bowl, add buttermilk and beaten egg. Stir or whisk to combine.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture.
  • Soak the chicken for about 30 minutes.
  • Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
  • To bread the chicken, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off excess.
  • Place each piece into the flour mixture.
  • Coat the chicken fully and then shake off all of the excess flour.
  • Place the chicken onto the wire rack.
  • Bread all of the chicken. The breaded chicken should rest for about 15 minutes before frying.
  • Heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep fryer. If you do not have a deep fryer you should use a Dutch oven and fill it half full of vegetable shortening. If you are using a Dutch oven, use a thermometer to make sure the temperature is maintained at 350 degrees. If the temperature drops too low, the breading will become greasy.
  • Cook the chicken in 2 or 3 batches. The breasts and thighs will take about 15 to 18 minutes to cook. The wings and legs will take about 12 to 13 minutes to cook.
  • Drain the fried chicken on a clean wire rack on top of a baking sheet.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168 kcal, Carbohydrate 31 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Sodium 3241 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

KFC ORIGINAL RECIPE CHICKEN (COPYCAT)



KFC Original Recipe Chicken (Copycat) image

My reverse-engineered recipe for replicating KFC's 'Original Recipe' chicken at home. Yields 8-10 pieces whole fried chicken, or up to 16 drumsticks. For a bulk mix seasoning for quick and easy breading, use Recipe #453973. PLEASE NOTE: The Nutritional Information listing here is inaccurate -- since only a fraction of flour and salt actually end up in the finished product. So be aware -- the suggested sodium, sugar, carbohydrate and calorie levels are ridiculously exaggerated!

Provided by The Spice Guru

Categories     Chicken

Time 3h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 premium quality fresh young roasting chicken, cut-up
2 quarts cold water
2 tablespoons morton lite salt
2 teaspoons Accent seasoning (optional)
5 teaspoons nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/2 tablespoons fine sea salt
2 teaspoons egg white powder (cornstarch okay)
1 teaspoon Accent seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
5 teaspoons ground peppercorns (3 tsps black, plus 2 tsps white)
2 teaspoons ground dalmatian sage
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon ground savory
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
2 cups unbleached bread flour

Steps:

  • NOTES: FOR AUTHENTIC RESULTS, PREPARE RECIPE EXACTLY AS DIRECTED. MSG (ACCENT SEASONING) IS IN THE ACTUAL ORIGINAL RECIPE, BUT MAY BE OMITTED IF NECESSARY. EGG WHITE POWDER IS SOLD IN HEALTH FOOD STORES. YOU MAY SUBSTITUTE EGG WHITE POWDER WITH CORNSTARCH. FINELY GRIND REQUIRED HERBS AND SPICES SEPARATELY IN A CLEAN SPICE MILL OR COFFEE GRINDER. USE A PEPPER MILL TO MEDIUM-GRIND TELLICHERRY PEPPERCORNS. I RECOMMEND MCCORMICK BRAND TELLICHERRY BLACK PEPPER AND GROUND GINGER, SPICE ISLANDS BRAND GROUND SAGE AND CARDAMOM, SPICE APPEAL BRAND GROUND SAVORY, AND WILLIAMS-SONOMA BRAND GROUND TAHITIAN VANILLA BEAN. CHICKEN NOTES: DO NOT DOUBLE-BREAD CHICKEN SINCE IT PLACES AN EXCESS OF SODIUM AND SPICES ONTO FINAL PRODUCT AND COMPROMISES AUTHENTICITY (IF YOU INSIST ON DOUBLE-BREADING, DIFFUSE THE BREADING MIX FIRST BY ADDING A LITTLE MORE UNSEASONED FLOUR). BRINING BONELESS CHICKEN SHOULD BE DONE MUCH MORE QUICKLY (NO MORE THAN 45 MINUTES, TO AVOID OVER-SATURATION OF SALT). BONELESS CHICKEN COOKS MUCH MORE QUICKLY THAN BONE-IN CHICKEN (BE CAREFUL TO NOT OVERCOOK!). FRYING FAT NOTES: ALWAYS BEGIN WITH FRESH VEGETABLE OIL. AFTER USING LET IT COOL. FILTER, THEN REFRIGERATE TIGHTLY SEALED TO YIELD 6-12 FRYING BATCHES, REPLENISHING OIL AS NEEDED.
  • RINSE and blot chicken; CUT chicken into 8 pieces (or 10 pieces with breast portions cut in half); MIX 2 quarts (8 cups) cups cold water with 2 tablespoons Morton Lite Salt (OR 2 tablespoons fine sea salt), and 2 teaspoons Accent seasoning in a large container with an accompanying lid, until dissolved; ADD chicken pieces; COVER and transfer to refrigerator; MARINATE chicken at least 4 hours in refrigerator. NOTE: FOR A QUICKER STOVETOP MARINATION METHOD, PIERCE CHICKEN PIECES WELL WITH A FORK, THEN HEAT THE MARINADE WITH CHICKEN, COVERED, OVER LOW HEAT UNTIL HEATED THROUGH, TURNING ONCE).
  • MEASURE the BASE MIXTURE and 11 SECRET HERBS AND SPICES into a large re-sealable container; BREAK up any clumps (and nonfat milk granules) using the back of a spoon; SEAL the container with mixture; SHAKE to mix well; OPEN container and add the BREADING FLOUR (2 cups unbleached bread flour), then seal the container again; SHAKE well until thoroughly combined.
  • REMOVE chicken from brine; PLACE one piece chicken at a time into the breading mixture container; SEAL container firmly; SHAKE chicken gently in all motions to thoroughly coat chicken until evenly and generously breaded; PLACE breaded chicken piece onto a rack to rest; REPEAT with remaining pieces chicken; ALLOW breaded chicken to absorb the breading for a few minutes before frying.
  • ADD the manufacturer's recommended amount frying oil for deep-frying; PLACE deep-fryer basket into place in deep-fryer; PREHEAT fryer to 315°F (or preheat enough fat to immerse chicken completely in deep heavy stovetop pot between 315°F to 325°F, using a standard deep-fryer thermometer to gauge).
  • CAREFULLY drop each piece breaded chicken one at a time, gently into the deep-fryer basket without crowding (if a standard size home fryer is used, add no more than 2-3 pieces at a time); (if stovetop frying, gently place breaded chicken pieces into hot oil using tongs, turning once halfway through frying duration).
  • FRY chicken between 15-18 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, depending on chicken portions/sizes (juices should run clear when chicken is done); BLOT chicken lightly to absorb excess oil; PLACE cooked chicken into a large resealable container to steam (the steam will soften the breading for added Original Recipe authenticity. If you prefer crisp breading, skip this procedure).
  • MAINTAIN frying fat temperature for each new batch and repeat the same cooking/steaming procedures for the remaining chicken.
  • REHEAT chicken if necessary before serving in a microwave oven, using a reduced-power setting, as if reheating 2 frozen pastries, pausing in intervals to turn chicken for even heating if necessary.
  • SERVE and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438.1, Fat 13.2, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 54.1, Sodium 2701.2, Carbohydrate 55.3, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 2, Protein 23.5

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (COPYCAT)



Kentucky Fried Chicken (Copycat) image

Make and share this Kentucky Fried Chicken (Copycat) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by abloom69

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups pancake mix
2 (1 ounce) packages Italian salad dressing mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup club soda or 1/3 cup moussey beer
3 lbs chicken pieces
oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine pancake mix with one package of dressing mix in a large bowl.
  • Combine remaining package dressing mix with eggs and club soda or beer.
  • Dip each piece of chicken in egg and soda mixture, then in pancake mixture.
  • Let dry on rack or paper towelling (pieces should not touch) about 5 minutes.
  • Heat oil in deep fryer to 425 degrees.
  • Fry coated chicken pieces in hot oil for 6 minutes.
  • Remove and place on baking sheet (not touching).
  • Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until done.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.1, Fat 24.6, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 183.1, Sodium 649.2, Carbohydrate 31, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 0.1, Protein 32.1

KFC® COPYCAT GRAVY



KFC® Copycat Gravy image

This recipe is a copycat version of KFC®'s gravy.

Provided by DecompileCodex

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Gravy Recipes

Time 38m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
5 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Melt 1/2 of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, about 5 minutes. Heat remaining butter in skillet over medium heat; whisk in flour to form a thick paste. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until flour has turned golden brown and begins to smell toasted, about 20 minutes.
  • Whisk water, beef bouillon, and chicken bouillon into skillet until no lumps remain. Add pepper and bring mixture to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened to gravy consistency, 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 122.3 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 303.7 mg, Sugar 1 g

KFC EXTRA CRISPY (COPYCAT)



KFC Extra Crispy (Copycat) image

After he perfected his original he made a crispy recipe that was marinated first then fried the conventional way. This one is double dunked into the coating to give it its great taste.

Provided by JustaQT

Categories     Chicken

Time 25m

Yield 1 whole chicken

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 whole frying chicken, cut up and marinated
6 -8 cups shortening (for cooking)
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon msg
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces.
  • Preheat the shortening in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees.
  • Combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl.
  • In another medium bowl, combine the remaining coating ingredients (flour, salt, pepper and MSG).
  • When the chicken has marinated, transfer each piece to paper towels so that excess liquid can drain off.
  • Working with one piece at a time, first dip in egg and milk then coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, then the egg and milk mixture again, and then back into the flour.
  • Be sure that each piece is coated very generously.
  • Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated.
  • Drop the chicken, one piece at a time into the hot shortening.
  • Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
  • You should be sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly.
  • Remove the chicken to a rack or towels to drain for about 5 minutes before eating.
  • Note: I suggest (CopyCat) Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade #75408.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 13006.6, Fat 1315.5, SaturatedFat 334.9, Cholesterol 565.2, Sodium 6377.4, Carbohydrate 204.2, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 0.9, Protein 126

(COPYCAT) KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN MARINADE



(CopyCat) Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade image

Make and share this (CopyCat) Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade recipe from Food.com.

Provided by JustaQT

Categories     Chicken

Time P1D

Yield 15 pounds chicken marinade

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons potassium chloride
2 tablespoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons msg
1/8 tablespoon garlic powder
1/3 cup bottled chicken base
5 cups water

Steps:

  • Mix above marinate and soak the chicken in it for 24 hours under refrigeration.
  • The Original Recipe is not packaged in three different places.
  • The way it is cooked and the process makes it taste like it has eleven herbs and spices when in reality there is not.
  • The way it is done in the restaurant is using dried eggs and milk in the flour along with box of breading, salt and the seasoning bag and a bag of breading flour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0.5, Sodium 954.1, Carbohydrate 0.1

KFC KENTUCKY GRILLED CHICKEN (COPYCAT)



KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken (Copycat) image

My copycat recipe for KFC's "Kentucky Grilled Chicken". The seasoning recipe here yields enough for at least 3 batches.

Provided by The Spice Guru

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 -16 pieces premium quality fresh chicken (bone-in or boneless)
4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon Accent seasoning
1/3 cup instant chicken bouillon powder
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder, finely crushed
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon seasoning (Bulk KFC Original Recipe Seasoning (Copycat))
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/8 teaspoon finely ground white pepper
canola oil

Steps:

  • NOTE: THIS RECIPE REQUIRES 1/2 TEASPOON OF MY Recipe #453973.
  • MARINATE chicken at least 2 hours in refrigerator, in the thoroughly blended and dissolved BRINE solution.
  • MEASURE each of the following SEASONING BASE ingredients into a large sealable container, such as a GLAD food storage container or a Ziploc bag: 1/3 cup instant chicken bouillon powder, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder, finely crushed, 1 teaspoon parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Recipe #453973, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/8 teaspoon finely ground white pepper.
  • SEAL the container; SHAKE rigorously for 30 seconds until all of the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  • REMOVE chicken from MARINADE solution; RINSE chicken and blot dry.
  • BASTE each chicken piece evenly with canola oil; SPRINKLE the chicken pieces moderately and evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture (store unused portion in a tightly sealed container); ALLOW chicken to rest for 20 minutes.
  • INDOOR GRILLING/BAKING METHOD FOR BONELESS CHICKEN: PREHEAT indoor grill to medium-high heat. GRILL chicken until seared from grill surface; TURN chicken over and repeat process (if using a press-type closeable grill, sear without turning), until chicken is cooked yet not overdone, when juices run clear.
  • INDOOR GRILLING/BAKING METHOD FOR BONE-IN CHICKEN: GRILL chicken until seared from grill surface; TURN chicken over and repeat process (if using a press-type closeable grill, sear without turning), just until chicken is seared, but not fully cooked. ARRANGE chicken on a rack over a baking pan; BAKE chicken at 350°F for 20 minutes; TURN chicken over; BAKE for 20 minutes longer.
  • BARBECUE-GRILLING METHOD: Follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines and method for grilling chicken for the particular outdoor grill you have, following the same basic procedures for indoor grilling of basting and turning.
  • SERVE and ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245.5, Fat 15.7, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 75.7, Sodium 1901.1, Carbohydrate 4.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.2, Protein 20

Tips:

  • Use a heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven to fry the chicken. This will help to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the chicken from burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  • If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check if the chicken is cooked through by piercing it with a fork. The juices should run clear.
  • For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken in the flour mixture.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-marinated chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to pat them dry before coating them in the flour mixture.
  • Serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.

Conclusion:

This copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite fried chicken at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a hot and crispy dinner that the whole family will love. So next time you're craving fried chicken, skip the drive-thru and make this recipe instead.

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