KFC, also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. Their signature fried chicken is a staple of American cuisine, and people from all over the globe crave its crispy, juicy goodness. But have you ever wondered how to cook KFC chicken at home? The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional chef to make finger-lickin’ good KFC-style chicken. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic KFC experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Understanding the Secret Recipe
The key to cooking KFC chicken lies in the secret recipe, a closely guarded trade secret that has been passed down through generations of KFC cooks. While we may never know the exact formula, food enthusiasts and chefs have reverse-engineered the recipe to create a remarkably similar flavor profile. The secret recipe is a blend of 11 herbs and spices, including salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
The Importance of Marination
Marination is a crucial step in cooking KFC chicken. The acidity in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it tender and juicy. A good marinade should contain a combination of acidic ingredients like buttermilk or yogurt, as well as spices and herbs that complement the secret recipe.
Creating a Buttermilk Marinade
To create a buttermilk marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Hot sauce (optional) | 1-2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth, then add your chicken pieces to the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
The Art of Breading
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to bread it. The breading process is what gives KFC chicken its signature crunch and flavor. To create a KFC-style breading, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1 cup |
| Paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Basil | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1/4 teaspoon |
Combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic salt, onion salt, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
Dredging the Chicken
To dredge the chicken, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken pieces in the breading mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the breading.
Frying the Chicken
Frying is the final step in cooking KFC chicken. To achieve that perfect crunch and golden-brown color, you’ll need to heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
The Double-Frying Method
To ensure that your KFC chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, use the double-frying method. This involves frying the chicken twice, once at a lower temperature to cook the meat through, and again at a higher temperature to crisp up the exterior.
First Fry
Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Second Fry
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces back to the skillet. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving and Enjoying
Your KFC-style chicken is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it on its own or with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits. Don’t forget to drizzle it with a little bit of honey or your favorite sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
In conclusion, cooking KFC chicken at home is easier than you think. By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic KFC experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the finger-lickin’ good taste of KFC chicken without ever having to leave your house.
What is the secret recipe for KFC chicken?
The secret recipe for KFC chicken is a blend of 11 herbs and spices that Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, developed in the 1940s. The exact recipe is a trade secret, but it is believed to contain a combination of salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
To make the secret recipe at home, you can mix together these ingredients in the right proportions. Start by combining 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of basil, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 tablespoon of celery salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, 1/2 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon of paprika in a bowl. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
What type of chicken is best for making KFC-style chicken at home?
The best type of chicken for making KFC-style chicken at home is legs, thighs, wings, and breasts. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken, but fresh chicken is preferred for better flavor and texture. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first before marinating and cooking.
It’s also important to note that KFC uses a specific type of chicken called “young chicken” or “broiler chicken,” which is a type of chicken that is specifically raised for its tender and juicy meat. If you can’t find young chicken, you can use regular chicken, but the result may not be exactly the same.
How do I marinate the chicken for KFC-style chicken?
To marinate the chicken for KFC-style chicken, you need to mix the secret recipe with buttermilk and water. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of the secret recipe. Stir well until the spices are evenly blended. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
The acid in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. The secret recipe adds flavor to the chicken, while the water helps to thin out the marinade. You can adjust the amount of marinade according to the number of chicken pieces you are using.
How do I bread the chicken for KFC-style chicken?
To bread the chicken for KFC-style chicken, you need to mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the secret recipe. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of the secret recipe. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and coat them evenly with the breading mixture.
Make sure to press the breading mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. You can also dip the chicken pieces in beaten eggs before coating them with the breading mixture for extra crispiness. The breading mixture helps to create a crispy exterior on the chicken, while the secret recipe adds flavor.
How do I fry the chicken for KFC-style chicken?
To fry the chicken for KFC-style chicken, you need to heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Also, make sure to not overcook the chicken, as this can make it dry and tough. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with a little bit of oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is crispy.
Baking the chicken is a healthier alternative to frying, but it may not produce the same crispy exterior as frying. To get a crisper exterior, you can try broiling the chicken for a few minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t burn.
How do I store leftover KFC-style chicken?
To store leftover KFC-style chicken, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot and crispy.
Make sure to store the chicken in a single layer in the container to prevent it from sticking together. You can also store the chicken in individual portions to make it easier to reheat. When reheating, make sure to heat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.