Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world, and its finger-lickin’ good chicken is a favorite among many. But have you ever wondered how to cook KFC-style chicken at home? With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create delicious, crispy, and juicy Kentucky Fried Chicken that rivals the original. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect KFC-style chicken.
Understanding the Secret Recipe
The secret to KFC’s success lies in its proprietary blend of herbs and spices, known as the “Original Recipe.” The exact formula is a closely guarded trade secret, but it’s believed to contain a combination of salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. To replicate this flavor at home, you can use a similar blend of herbs and spices.
The Importance of Marination
Marination is a crucial step in cooking KFC-style 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.
Creating a Buttermilk Marinade
To create a buttermilk marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Add your chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preparing the Breading Station
The breading station is where the magic happens. You’ll need three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
The Flour Station
The flour station is the first step in the breading process. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
The Egg Station
The egg station is the second step in the breading process. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beaten eggs | 2 |
| Buttermilk | 1 tablespoon |
Mix the eggs and buttermilk together in a bowl until well combined.
The Breadcrumb Station
The breadcrumb station is the final step in the breading process. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
Breading the Chicken
Now it’s time to bread the chicken. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour station, coating it evenly. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg station, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dip the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb station, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
Tips for Breading
- Make sure the chicken is dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the breadcrumbs from sticking.
- Use a light touch when breading the chicken. You don’t want to press too hard and dislodge the crumbs.
- Use a fork to coat the chicken evenly. This will help prevent the breadcrumbs from clumping.
Frying the Chicken
Now it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Tips for Frying
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. This can lower the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Do not stir the chicken too much. This can dislodge the breadcrumbs and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
Draining and Resting
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and the chicken to stay moist.
Tips for Draining and Resting
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and the chicken to stay moist.
Serving and Enjoying
Now it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious KFC-style chicken. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Tips for Serving
- Serve the chicken hot. This will help the breadcrumbs stay crispy and the chicken to stay juicy.
- Use a variety of dipping sauces. This will add extra flavor to your KFC-style chicken.
By following these steps and tips, you can create delicious, crispy, and juicy Kentucky Fried Chicken that rivals the original. Remember to always use fresh ingredients, to not overcrowd the skillet, and to let the chicken rest before serving. Happy cooking!
What is the secret to making the perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The secret to making the perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken lies in the combination of a few key ingredients and techniques. The original recipe developed by Colonel Harland Sanders features a blend of 11 herbs and spices that are mixed with flour to create a crispy, flavorful coating. To achieve this, you’ll need to use a combination of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic salt, onion salt, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, and mustard powder.
In addition to the seasoning blend, it’s also important to use buttermilk to marinate the chicken. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it tender and juicy. You’ll also need to use a pressure fryer or a deep fryer to achieve the signature crispy exterior and juicy interior of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
What type of chicken is best for making Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The best type of chicken for making Kentucky Fried Chicken is a matter of personal preference, but it’s generally recommended to use legs, thighs, wings, and breasts from a whole chicken. You can also use chicken pieces, such as drumsticks, tenders, or chicken strips, if you prefer. It’s best to use fresh, never frozen chicken for the best flavor and texture.
When selecting chicken, look for pieces that are plump and have a good balance of white and dark meat. Avoid using chicken that is too lean, as it may become dry and tough when cooked. You can also use chicken that has been marinated or seasoned in advance to add extra flavor to your Kentucky Fried Chicken.
How do I prepare the chicken for frying?
To prepare the chicken for frying, you’ll need to marinate it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoning blend, shaking off any excess. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the seasoning blend, but avoid overcoating, as this can make the chicken taste bitter.
Once the chicken is coated, place it on a wire rack or tray and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to set. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken during frying. You can also refrigerate the coated chicken for up to 2 hours before frying if you prefer.
What is the best oil for frying Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The best oil for frying Kentucky Fried Chicken is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or vegetable oil. These oils have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the seasoning blend and can handle the high temperatures required for frying. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, as they can become bitter and smoke during frying.
When selecting an oil, look for one that is specifically labeled as “frying oil” or “cooking oil.” These oils are designed to handle high temperatures and have a longer shelf life than other oils. You can also use a combination of oils, such as peanut oil and vegetable oil, to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I achieve the signature crispy exterior of Kentucky Fried Chicken?
To achieve the signature crispy exterior of Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’ll need to use a pressure fryer or a deep fryer. These types of fryers use high pressure and temperature to seal the coating onto the chicken, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior. If you don’t have a pressure fryer or deep fryer, you can also use a skillet or Dutch oven with at least 3-4 inches of oil.
When frying, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F) and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer or skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and prevent the coating from setting properly. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary, and make sure to not stir the chicken too much, as this can also prevent the coating from setting.
Can I make Kentucky Fried Chicken in the oven instead of frying?
Yes, you can make Kentucky Fried Chicken in the oven instead of frying. While it won’t have the same crispy exterior as fried chicken, oven-baked Kentucky Fried Chicken can still be delicious and flavorful. To make oven-baked Kentucky Fried Chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the coating. Keep in mind that oven-baked Kentucky Fried Chicken will have a different texture and flavor than fried chicken, so you may need to adjust the seasoning blend and cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken?
To store leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container, such as a plastic container or zip-top bag, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
When storing leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken, it’s best to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the chicken can absorb odors easily. You can also store the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to prevent moisture from accumulating and making the coating soggy.