Description
This crispy and flavorful Copycat KFC Fried Chicken recipe brings the famous 11 herbs and spices to your kitchen! The secret blend of seasonings and buttermilk marinade creates tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crunchy coating. Perfect for a family dinner, Southern comfort meal, or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
For the Chicken:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or peanut oil)
- MSG seasoning (optional, like Ajinomoto or Accent)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together all flour coating ingredients and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In another large bowl, mix buttermilk and beaten egg. Add chicken pieces, tossing to coat. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack inside.
- Heat the oil: In a Dutch oven or deep fryer, heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat. Reduce heat slightly to maintain temperature.
- Dredge the chicken: Remove a chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Shake off excess and repeat for all pieces.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken in the hot oil (frying in batches). Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep warm: Transfer fried chicken to the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven while frying remaining pieces.
- Final touch: Ensure each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. Sprinkle with a dash of MSG for extra flavor (optional).
Notes
- To keep chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the fryer.
- You can skip MSG if preferred—flavor will still be delicious!
- Serve with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for an authentic KFC-style meal.
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip by repeating the buttermilk and flour coating process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg