Elevate your homemade fried chicken game with our delectable KFC style Fried Chicken recipe.
Imagine sinking your teeth into irresistibly crispy, golden-brown chicken that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to an array of carefully selected spices.
Marinated for a luxurious 6 hours in a blend of buttermilk and a symphony of spices – from aromatic rosemary and thyme to zesty garlic and ginger powder – our chicken promises a taste adventure like no other. With the addition of mustard powder, coriander, cumin, and more, every bite is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy goodness.
The secret to the unparalleled crunch lies in our coating mixture of all-purpose flour, delicate cornstarch, and a hint of paprika. When combined with the marinated chicken and fried to perfection, this coating transforms into a crispy, golden armor that locks in the juiciness, ensuring every mouthful is a delightful experience.
Ditch the takeout and savor the satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality fried chicken in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience the explosion of flavors, the crispy perfection, and the joy of mastering the art of KFC-style fried chicken right at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
For the Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel
For Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
For Egg Wash
- 2 eggs, beaten
Step By Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, mustard powder, ginger powder, black pepper, white pepper, white onion powder, red onion powder, coriander powder, cumin, and fennel. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and paprika together.
- Frying Process:
- In a large, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Take each marinated chicken piece, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, then dip it into the beaten eggs and coat it with the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere. Shake off any excess coating.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken until deep golden brown and cooked through. Larger pieces will take about 15-20 minutes, while smaller pieces will take about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the KFC-style fried chicken hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Enjoy your delicious homemade KFC-style fried chicken with a crispy and flavorful coating!

Dip Selection: Perfect Partners for Your Fried Chicken!
There are several classic and creative dipping sauces that pair wonderfully with KFC-style fried chicken. Here are a few options you might consider:
- Classic Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch dressing complements the spices in the fried chicken while providing a cool contrast.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard balances the savory notes of the fried chicken, creating a delightful contrast.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix Sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to create a spicy dipping sauce that adds a kick to every bite.
- Barbecue Sauce: The smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue sauce enhance the fried chicken’s taste, offering a rich and satisfying dipping experience.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you like it spicy, buffalo sauce adds a fiery kick to your fried chicken. Pair it with a cooling blue cheese or ranch dip to balance the heat.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in sweet and sour sauce provides a unique contrast to the crispy and savory chicken.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli is a flavorful option for dipping fried chicken. The garlic notes add depth to the overall taste.
- Honey-Soy Glaze: A mixture of honey, soy sauce, and a dash of garlic creates a sweet and savory glaze that complements the fried chicken beautifully.
- Pickled Jalapeño Slices: For a simple and spicy dip, pickled jalapeño slices offer a tangy and spicy contrast to the crunchy chicken.
Remember, the choice of dip depends on your personal preference and the level of heat or sweetness you desire. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match!
Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, double dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a smoky or spicy flavor.
- Use a mixture of different herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, or celery salt to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and lemon juice for a tangy marinade.
History
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken.
It was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952 in North Corbin, Kentucky, USA.
The secret blend of 11 herbs and spices used in KFC’s original recipe has become legendary, and while the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, many attempts have been made to recreate it at home.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless pieces may cook faster.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? A: While frying will give you the traditional crispy texture, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking to help it crisp up.
Q: How do I store leftover fried chicken? A: Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
