Irresistible Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe That’ll Make You Smile

Crispy, golden fried chicken is a comforting dish cherished by people everywhere.

The iconic KFC-style chicken recipe is a treasure that many wish to recreate at home.

Its secret spice blends and perfectly seasoned coating give it an unforgettable flavor and crunch.

With simple ingredients and easy techniques, anyone can make this restaurant-style classic without needing advanced cooking skills.

By focusing on preparation and seasoning, you can achieve authentic taste and quality at home.

Your family and friends will be amazed by this tasty homemade version that competes with the famous fast-food original.

Tasty Variations Of Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same crunchy texture.
• Herb-Infused Southern Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating to create an aromatic and flavorful alternative that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, providing a crispy exterior while keeping the carbohydrate content minimal for those following ketogenic diets.
• Air Fryer Healthier Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 390°F for 15-18 minutes, reducing oil usage and creating a lighter version of the traditional deep-fried recipe while maintaining a crispy golden exterior.

Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe FAQs

• Why is buttermilk used in the marinade?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful. Its acidic nature also helps the coating stick better to the chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a bit of vinegar or lemon juice, buttermilk provides the best flavor and texture for authentic KFC-style chicken.

• What's the purpose of MSG in this recipe?

MSG enhances the umami flavor, giving the chicken a more savory and intense taste. It’s optional but can boost the overall flavor profile of the fried chicken.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is precisely 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and brown gradually without burning instantly.

Why Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe Is Hard To Beat

• Recreate Restaurant Magic: Break down a professional KFC-style chicken recipe in your own kitchen without stress.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up delicious crispy chicken in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals.
• Totally Customizable Comfort: Adjust seasoning levels and spices to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for everyone.
• Foolproof Frying Technique: Master professional-level deep-frying skills with clear step-by-step instructions that guarantee golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior every single time.

What You’ll Need For Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crispy coating, creating a golden and crunchy exterior for the chicken.
• Cornstarch, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds complex flavor and helps create a super crispy texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.

• Buttermilk, Egg: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a sticky surface for the flour coating to adhere.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying, provides a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• MSG (Optional): Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the chicken.

How To Make Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe At Home

Step 1: Create Magical Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Dried herbs

Whisk everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 2: Bath Chicken in Flavor

Grab buttermilk and beaten egg in a separate large bowl. Drop chicken pieces into the liquid mixture. Make sure every inch gets coated. Cover and let chicken hang out in the refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Station

Warm oven to 175°F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Position wire rack inside baking sheet.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Select deep pot or fryer. Pour oil about 3 inches deep. Bring temperature to 350°F over medium-high heat. Maintain steady temperature throughout cooking process.

Step 5: Dress Chicken in Coating

Pull chicken from buttermilk bath. Let excess liquid drip off. Roll each piece generously in flour mixture. Press coating firmly onto chicken surface. Shake off extra flour.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently lower chicken into hot oil. Work in small batches. Cook approximately 12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking. Watch for beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 7: Keep Chicken Warm

Transfer fried pieces onto wire rack in warm oven. This maintains crispiness and temperature.

Step 8: Final Temperature Check

Verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F. Optional: Sprinkle extra seasoning for enhanced flavor.

Tips To Master Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

• Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in buttermilk overnight to ensure deeper, more tender meat that's incredibly juicy and well-seasoned.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at exactly 350°F, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken and ensuring perfectly crispy exterior.
• Shake Off Excess Coating: Tap chicken gently after dredging to remove loose flour, creating a thin, even and crisp coating that adheres beautifully during frying.
• Use Proper Safety Gear: Wear long sleeves and use tongs when frying to protect yourself from hot oil splashes and potential burns during cooking process.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F at its thickest part, guaranteeing safe and fully cooked meat every time.

How To Store Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Alternative: Use sparingly as it can make chicken soggy. Heat in short 30-second intervals, rotating pieces to ensure even warming.

Best Sides For Easy Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

• Pair Spicy Zesty Brew: Select a crisp, cold craft beer like an India Pale Ale (IPA) with hoppy notes that cut through the chicken's richness and match its bold seasoning.
• Create Tangy Sidekick Sauce: Whip up a quick homemade honey mustard or spicy ranch dipping sauce to complement the chicken's deep-fried crunch and enhance its herbal spice profile.
• Refresh with Citrus Cooler: Mix a bright lemonade or sparkling citrus cocktail that provides a zesty, palate-cleansing contrast to the heavy, savory fried chicken.
• Serve Southern Comfort Side: Add creamy coleslaw or mac and cheese as a traditional Southern side that balances the chicken's crispy texture and adds a cool, smooth counterpoint.

Crispy Homemade Copycat KFC Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy KFC-style chicken brings Southern comfort right to home kitchens with its irresistible golden coating and juicy interior. Signature spices and expert breading techniques guarantee a restaurant-quality meal that delivers pure deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• Neutral oil for frying (canola or peanut oil)

Dry Spice Mix:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup paprika
• 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• MSG seasoning (optional, like Ajinomoto or Accent)

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful seasoned flour mixture in a spacious mixing vessel by combining various dry spices and flour, ensuring even distribution of zesty ingredients.
2. Create a tangy marinade using buttermilk and whisked egg, fully submerging chicken pieces to infuse deep flavor and tenderize the meat. Allow protein to rest and absorb liquid for minimum 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for enhanced taste profile.
3. Arrange kitchen equipment: Position a wire rack atop a foil-lined baking sheet inside an oven preheated to a low temperature to maintain chicken’s warmth and crispiness during cooking process.
4. Prepare cooking oil by heating it in a sturdy Dutch oven or deep fryer, meticulously monitoring temperature to achieve precise 350°F for optimal frying conditions.
5. Extract chicken pieces from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a robust, textured exterior that will transform into a crispy golden shell.
6. Gently lower marinated and coated chicken into hot oil, working in strategic batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry systematically, rotating pieces midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent crunchiness.
7. Transfer freshly fried chicken to prepared baking sheet, utilizing the warm oven as a holding station to maintain ideal temperature and texture while completing remaining batches.
8. Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches safe 165°F using a reliable meat thermometer. Optional: Enhance flavor complexity by lightly sprinkling MSG for an extra umami dimension before serving.

Notes

• Always brine chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness and moisture retention.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before dredging to help the coating stick perfectly and create an extra crispy exterior.
• Use a digital thermometer to monitor oil temperature precisely, keeping it consistently around 350°F for the crispiest results.
• Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy breading.
• For gl

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg