Ah, the legendary KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe! While the exact recipe is famously kept under wraps, we can try to recreate a similar version at home. Here’s a copycat recipe based on what many believe to be the mix of herbs and spices used in the famous chicken.
KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe (Copycat)
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 10 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, breasts, or a combination)
- 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
For the flour and seasoning mix:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
For frying:
- 3–4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces and cover them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and tender.
- Prepare the flour mixture:
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and all the spices: salt, thyme, basil, oregano, paprika, garlic salt, black pepper, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, white pepper, celery salt, and sage.
- Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed in the flour.
- Dredge the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-covered and gently press down to ensure the flour sticks.
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken: dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). You should have enough oil to fully submerge the chicken.
- Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 10–15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or slice open a piece to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken has cooled slightly, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful copycat KFC-style chicken!
Tips:
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F to ensure even cooking and crispy chicken.
- Seasoning Variations: Adjust the spices to your personal preference if you want it more or less spicy.
- Crispier Texture: For extra crispy chicken, you can let the flour-coated chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to allow the coating to set.
While this may not be the exact KFC secret recipe, it’s sure to get you close to that crispy, flavorful fried chicken that’s loved by so many!