Wed. Oct 15th, 2025
KFC-Style Fried Chicken is famous for its crispy, golden coating and juicy, seasoned meat. While the exact spice blend is a closely guarded secret, this homemade version gets incredibly close — with a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a crunchy, seasoned flour dredge that delivers that iconic texture and taste.


🍗🔥 Homemade KFC-Style Fried Chicken


🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

🍗 For the Chicken:

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)

  • 2 cups buttermilk

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce (for spicy marinade)

🧂 For the Seasoned Flour Coating:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried basil

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp celery salt

  • ½ tsp ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp white pepper

  • ¼ tsp mustard powder

  • Optional: ¼ tsp MSG (for that KFC umami hit)

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil


🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.

  • Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

2️⃣ Prepare the Flour Dredge

  • In a large bowl, whisk all dredge ingredients together thoroughly.

3️⃣ Dredge the Chicken

  • Remove chicken from marinade (don’t rinse).

  • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to coat well.

  • Optional: Dip back into buttermilk, then flour again for extra crunch.

  • Set on a rack and let rest for 10–15 minutes to help the coating stick.

4️⃣ Fry

  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 325–350°F (165–175°C).

  • Fry 3–4 pieces at a time, without crowding the pan.

  • Cook 12–16 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.


✅ Tips

  • Use a thermometer to avoid over/undercooked chicken.

  • Rest fried chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels alone, to keep it crispy.

  • Want a spicier version? Add cayenne pepper to both the marinade and flour.


🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • 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?

By Admin

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