🍗🔥 Homemade KFC-Style Fried Chicken
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🍗 For the Chicken:
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3–4 lbs bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
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2 cups buttermilk
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce (for spicy marinade)
🧂 For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp paprika
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp dried basil
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp celery salt
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½ tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp white pepper
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¼ tsp mustard powder
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Optional: ¼ tsp MSG (for that KFC umami hit)
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
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Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.
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Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
2️⃣ Prepare the Flour Dredge
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In a large bowl, whisk all dredge ingredients together thoroughly.
3️⃣ Dredge the Chicken
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Remove chicken from marinade (don’t rinse).
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Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to coat well.
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Optional: Dip back into buttermilk, then flour again for extra crunch.
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Set on a rack and let rest for 10–15 minutes to help the coating stick.
4️⃣ Fry
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 325–350°F (165–175°C).
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Fry 3–4 pieces at a time, without crowding the pan.
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Cook 12–16 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
✅ Tips
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Use a thermometer to avoid over/undercooked chicken.
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Rest fried chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels alone, to keep it crispy.
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Want a spicier version? Add cayenne pepper to both the marinade and flour.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve with coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy, biscuits, or mac and cheese for the full comfort food experience.
Would you like a baked or air fryer version, or how to make KFC-style gravy or biscuits to go with it?
