Homemade KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Craving the famous KFC fried chicken at home? This homemade version delivers tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly spiced, crispy coating. Easy to prepare and marinated overnight, it’s a family favorite that rivals the original.

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt
• 4 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 2/3 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Celery Salt
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 2 1/2 cups Buttermilk
• 8 Chicken Drumsticks
• Frying Oil, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/3 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/2 cups buttermilk. Mix well.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken drumsticks to the buttermilk and spice mixture, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to marinate.
3. Step 3: In another large bowl, mix 4 cups all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/3 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Step 4: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade and thoroughly coat it in the flour and spice mixture.
5. Step 5: Heat frying oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Step 6: Serve your homemade KFC fried chicken hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for crispiness and even cooking.
• Marinate the chicken longer for even more tender and flavorful results.
• Try substituting chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can be used, but buttermilk is preferred because its acidity helps tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick to ensure it is safely cooked.

Homemade KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This homemade KFC-style fried chicken recipe recreates the classic crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a blend of herbs and spices. Marinated in a spiced buttermilk mixture and coated in a seasoned flour blend, the chicken is fried to golden perfection, producing a juicy and crunchy treat perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 2 1/2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/3 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Flour Coating

• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/3 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Other Ingredients

• 8 Chicken Drumsticks
• Frying Oil (as needed for deep frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/3 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/2 cups buttermilk. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the buttermilk.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the 8 chicken drumsticks into the prepared buttermilk spice mixture, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken and tenderize the meat.
3. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/3 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the flour.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken drumsticks from the buttermilk mixture one by one, letting excess drip off. Dredge and thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even and thick layer surrounds the chicken for maximum crispiness when fried.
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, heat frying oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even cooking.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken drumsticks into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Fry each batch for about 8 minutes, turning as needed to achieve a golden brown crust on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let rest briefly before serving to maintain juiciness and crispiness. Enjoy your homemade KFC-style fried chicken hot.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor depth and tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pot to ensure even cooking and prevent temperature drops.
• Adjust spices according to personal preference to suit taste.
• Leftover chicken can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch (approximately 20 minutes total)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: KFC style fried chicken, homemade fried chicken, crispy fried chicken recipe, southern fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, deep-fried chicken