KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe ✨

Introduction

When I first tried to recreate the legendary KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe, I was honestly amazed by how close the result was to the real deal. The crispy, flavorful coating paired with the juicy, tender chicken is the perfect combination of textures and tastes. My family absolutely loved it, and they couldn’t stop commenting on how similar it was to the fried chicken we all know and love from the famous fast-food chain. This homemade version is a game-changer, and the best part is, you can enjoy it anytime in the comfort of your own home. The spices blend together beautifully, giving the chicken its signature taste, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re craving KFC-style fried chicken, this recipe is the one you need.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken, cut into pieces
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 4 tablespoons oil (for frying)

For the coating:

• 2 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or powdered chicken stock)
• 1 small spoon of oregano
• 1 small spoon of tarragon
• 1 small spoon of parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Instructions

Prepare the Flour Coating:

1. Sift the flour: Begin by sifting the flour to ensure it’s smooth and free from lumps. This will create an even coating for the chicken.
2. Mix the spices: Add the paprika, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning (or chicken stock powder), oregano, tarragon, parsley, thyme, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt into the sifted flour.
3. Grind the mixture: Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, finely grind the mixture of spices. This step helps the flavors to meld together better and ensures an even coating when the chicken is dredged in the flour.
4. Put the flour mixture in a plastic bag: Once your mixture is finely ground, place it into a clean plastic bag. This will make it easier to coat the chicken and help keep the mess to a minimum.

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Whisk the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re fully blended. This will serve as the egg wash that helps the flour coating stick to the chicken.
2. Coat the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the whisked eggs, ensuring that it’s well-coated. Then, place it into the bag containing the flour mixture. Close the bag and shake gently until each piece of chicken is fully covered with the flour and spice mix. Shake off any excess flour.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat the oil: In a large frying pan, add the oil and heat it over medium-low heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the chicken but not so hot that the coating burns before the chicken cooks through.
2. Fry the chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken pieces on each side until they are golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to avoid burning the chicken.
3. Cover the pan: After the chicken has browned, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook through for another 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Drain excess oil: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve:

1. Let the chicken rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute and ensure it stays juicy inside.
2. Enjoy!: Serve the crispy, juicy chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy your homemade KFC-inspired fried chicken.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4 (based on 1 chicken, cut into 4 pieces)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• With mashed potatoes: This fried chicken is perfect alongside creamy mashed potatoes, providing a hearty and comforting meal.
• With coleslaw: Add a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the crispy chicken.
• With cornbread: Serve with freshly baked cornbread for an authentic Southern-inspired meal.
• With roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli make for healthy and tasty sides to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• As a sandwich: Serve the fried chicken in a bun with pickles and your favorite sauce to make a delicious fried chicken sandwich.

Additional Tips

1. Use a thermometer for perfect frying: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
2. Rest the chicken after frying: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes on paper towels to ensure the coating stays crispy and any excess oil is absorbed.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy without the oil temperature dropping too much.
4. Double coat for extra crispiness: If you like your fried chicken extra crispy, dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture a second time before frying.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your taste. You can add a little cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy KFC Chicken: For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the flour mixture to give your fried chicken a heat boost.
• Oven-Fried Chicken: If you prefer a healthier version, skip the frying and bake the coated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Crispy Chicken Tenders: Instead of whole chicken pieces, cut the chicken into tenders or strips, dip, and fry as you would for regular fried chicken.
• Herb-infused coating: Experiment with additional dried herbs like rosemary, sage, or basil in the coating for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• For a family dinner: Serve this homemade fried chicken alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy.
• For a picnic: Pack the fried chicken along with some fresh salads and a refreshing lemonade for a perfect picnic meal.
• For a game day feast: Serve this fried chicken with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard, alongside crispy fries and a cold drink.
• As part of a Southern-themed meal: Pair it with mac and cheese, cornbread, and a big helping of collard greens for an authentic Southern feast.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, this fried chicken can be frozen for later. Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Storing: Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy coating.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or wings for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the pieces.

2. Can I make this recipe without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! You can fry the chicken in a regular frying pan or skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

3. What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying chicken, as they have high smoke points and won’t impart any strong flavor to the chicken.

4. Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with oil before baking.

5. How can I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the chicken is properly coated in the egg wash before adding it to the flour mixture. A second coating of egg wash and flour can help the coating stay on.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and coat it the night before and store

it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.

7. Can I use a different seasoning mix?
Yes, feel free to adjust the seasoning mix to your liking. You can use cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or even ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, fried chicken freezes well. Follow the freezing and reheating instructions mentioned above to maintain its crispiness.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. How can I make this recipe spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture to give the chicken a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful version of the fast-food classic. With its savory, well-seasoned coating and juicy chicken, it’s a surefire hit for family dinners, parties, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Whether you fry it or bake it, this recipe delivers all the taste and satisfaction of your favorite fried chicken—right in your own kitchen! Enjoy this crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides, and impress your family and friends with your homemade fried chicken.

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