Best 4 Kentucky Fried Chicken Copycat Recipes

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Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC, is a world-famous fast food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken. Their signature dish, the Original Recipe Chicken, is known for its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender meat. Many have tried to replicate this iconic dish, and this article presents three different copycat recipes that aim to capture the essence of KFC's Original Recipe Chicken. Each recipe has its own unique approach, using different ingredients and techniques to achieve a similar taste and texture. Whether you're a fan of the classic KFC chicken or simply enjoy crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken, these copycat recipes offer a delicious and satisfying homemade alternative.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

COPYCAT KFC™ ORIGINAL-STYLE CHICKEN



Copycat KFC™ Original-Style Chicken image

They said it couldn't be done-but dare we say our homemade version of KFC™ fried chicken is better than the original recipe? We start with a flavorful combination of 11 spices you already have in your pantry and combined them with flour and brown sugar to create the makings of that savory KFC™ crunch you crave. After that, it doesn't get any easier than dredging the chicken and frying it up in hot oil. If you've ever wondered how to make KFC™ chicken, the secret is here.

Provided by Macheesmo

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons onion salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 whole chicken (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 wings)
1 egg white
2 quarts neutral oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Preheat fryer to 350°F. Thoroughly mix together all spices.
  • Combine spices with flour, brown sugar and salt.
  • Dip chicken pieces in egg white to lightly coat them, then transfer to flour mixture. Turn a few times and make sure the flour mix is really stuck to the chicken. Repeat with all the chicken pieces.
  • Let chicken pieces rest for 5 minutes so crust has a chance to dry a bit.
  • Fry chicken in batches. Breasts and wings should take 12-14 minutes, and legs and thighs will need a few more minutes. Chicken pieces are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
  • Let chicken drain on a few paper towels when it comes out of the fryer. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.0, Carbohydrate 40.5 g, Cholesterol 27.8 mg, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 15.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1495.4 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

COPYCAT KFC RECIPE



Copycat KFC Recipe image

The secret KFC recipe for its original fried chicken has never been revealed, but this is a good copy. Just like the real thing, it contains 11 herbs and spices.

Provided by Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Categories     Entree     Lunch     Dinner

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 (3-pound) chicken (cut into 6 pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Accent (MSG seasoning)
1 can lard (enough to cover chicken in the fryer)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Combine the egg and buttermilk in a large bowl. Soak the chicken pieces in the mixture.
  • Put the flour in a separate bowl and whisk in all 11 herbs and spices-salt, sage , pepper, paprika, oregano, onion salt, marjoram , dried basil, chili powder, garlic powder , and MSG seasoning.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Roll the chicken in the seasoned flour until completely covered.
  • Add the lard to a Dutch oven or pressure fryer and heat to 365 F. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions if using a pressure fryer.
  • Using a utensil, lower 4 pieces of the chicken into the hot oil, and if using a pressure fryer, lock the lid in place. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot oil.
  • Allow to fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown and thoroughly cooks.
  • If using a pressure fryer, release the pressure according to the manufacturer's directions. Then, remove the finished chicken to paper towels or a metal rack to drain.
  • Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces of chicken.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 868 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 254 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 67 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sodium 3412 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 56 g, ServingSize 6 pieces (6 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

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

EASY COPYCAT KFC CHICKEN RECIPE



Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe image

We set out to make copycat KFC chicken, and it was easier than we thought to make fried chicken that tasted as good as what you'll find at KFC.

Provided by Lindsay D. Mattison

Categories     main course, dinner

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 17

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, like canola or peanut oil
MSG seasoning, like Ajinomoto or Accent

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour with the herbs and spices and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in another large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, mixing until they're well combined.
  • Add the chicken to the buttermilk bowl and toss to coat. Cover the bowl lightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit for 30 minutes, or as long as overnight. If marinade times exceed 30 minutes, place the bowl in the refrigerator.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set an oven-safe wire cooling rack inside the sheet and set aside.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of oil. If you're using an electric tabletop fryer, fill the unit to its MAX line.
  • Preheat the oil to 350 degrees over medium-high heat, using a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. When the oil reaches 350 degrees, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Remove a chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the piece in the flour mixture and press down firmly, allowing the flour to adhere on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil. Continue dredging chicken until the fryer is full but not overcrowded; you should be able to fry three to four pieces at a time.
  • Cook the chicken for about 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the crust turns an appealing golden brown color.
  • Transfer the chicken pieces to the prepared baking sheet and place it in the oven.
  • Allow the oil to return to temperature before adding more chicken. Repeat the dredging and frying process with the remaining pieces of chicken.
  • When all the chicken is fried, let the pieces sit in the oven until each reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  • Sprinkle each piece of chicken with a few shakes of MSG before serving. If you're unsure about food additives like MSG, feel free to skip the extra seasoning.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1594 calories, Carbohydrate 65 g carbohydrates, Cholesterol 267 mg cholesterol, Fat 118 g fat, Fiber 7 g fiber, Protein 69 g protein, SaturatedFat 19 g saturated fat, ServingSize 0 g, Sodium 1232 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g

Tips:

  • Use a buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Don't overcrowd the fryer. If you overcrowd the fryer, the chicken will not cook evenly.
  • Fry the chicken in small batches. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve the chicken hot. Kentucky Fried Chicken is best served hot, with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

This Kentucky Fried Chicken copycat recipe is a delicious and easy way to make your own fried chicken at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a batch of crispy, juicy chicken that rivals the Colonel's own. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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