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How to Make KFC-Style Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or up to overnight for even more flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne, and baking powder. This blend of herbs and spices will create the signature crunchy coating you’re after.
- Coat the Chicken: Once your chicken has marinated, remove each piece from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess liquid. Roll the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. For an extra crispy finish, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat it in the flour mixture a second time.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway, so about 2-3 inches of oil should do. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small bit of flour into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Fry each piece for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and golden-brown crispiness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when done. If you’re using larger pieces, like bone-in thighs or breasts, you may need to cook them for longer.
- Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken has drained and cooled slightly, it’s ready to serve! Pair it with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob are classic choices—or enjoy it on its own as the star of the meal. This crispy, juicy fried chicken is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.
Tips for Perfect KFC-Style Chicken
- Double-Coating: For an extra-crispy chicken, don’t skip the double-coating step. Dipping the chicken back in the buttermilk and then the flour mixture gives the coating an extra layer of crunch.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to crispy chicken. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the chicken will be greasy. Aim for 350°F (175°C) and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Resting After Frying: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and helps it maintain its crispy texture.
- Customizing the Spice: You can adjust the level of heat in the chicken by adding more cayenne pepper or even a dash of chili powder. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the cayenne or leave it out altogether.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken in advance by marinating it the night before. When you’re ready to fry, simply coat it and fry as directed. The marinated chicken will be even more flavorful the next day.
- Oven-Baked Version: If you prefer to skip frying, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
Final Thoughts
With this KFC-style chicken recipe, you can recreate the iconic crispy, juicy fried chicken at home—without the need to step foot in a fast food restaurant. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of seasoning, crunch, and tenderness that everyone loves. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a gathering. So, grab your chicken, gather your spices, and get ready to serve up some homemade fried chicken that tastes just like your favorite fast-food version, but even better!
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