Copycat Recipe How To Make KFC Original Fried Chicken At Home

by ITMIN 62 views

Do you love the crispy, flavorful taste of KFC's original fried chicken, but prefer to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home? This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious copycat version that captures the essence of the iconic fast-food favorite. While the ingredient list may seem a bit extensive, the resulting chicken will be a hit with the entire family, offering a homemade alternative to takeout.

The Secret to KFC-Style Fried Chicken: The Ingredients

The Spice Blend: The Heart of the Flavor

At the heart of this copycat KFC fried chicken recipe is the meticulously crafted spice blend. This blend is what gives the chicken its signature flavor profile, a symphony of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes. The recipe calls for a combination of common pantry staples like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, but also includes a few unexpected ingredients that contribute to the unique KFC taste. Paprika provides a smoky sweetness and vibrant color, while dried mustard adds a tangy depth. The inclusion of celery salt is a key element, offering a subtle earthy note that complements the other spices. A touch of ginger and white pepper lends a warm, slightly pungent character, and the cayenne pepper provides a gentle kick of heat. Finally, dried basil and oregano contribute a hint of herbal complexity.

The Brine: Ensuring Juicy and Flavorful Chicken

Before the chicken even meets the spice blend, it undergoes a crucial step: brining. Brining is the process of soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which serves two important purposes. First, it helps to infuse the chicken with flavor from the inside out. The salt penetrates the meat, enhancing its natural taste and creating a more seasoned final product. Second, brining improves the chicken's moisture content. The salt causes the muscle fibers to relax and absorb water, resulting in chicken that is incredibly juicy and tender, even after frying. This recipe uses a simple brine of salt and water, but you can also add other flavorings like herbs, spices, or citrus zest to further customize the taste.

The Coating: Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust

The crispy crust is arguably the most iconic feature of KFC fried chicken, and this recipe doesn't disappoint. The coating is a combination of flour and the same spice blend used earlier, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. However, the secret to achieving that signature KFC-style crust lies in the technique. The chicken is dredged in the flour mixture twice, creating multiple layers that crisp up beautifully in the hot oil. This double-dredging method is essential for achieving the desired texture and ensuring that the chicken stays crispy for longer.

The Frying Oil: The Key to Crispy Perfection

The choice of frying oil is another critical factor in achieving KFC-level crispiness. This recipe recommends using vegetable oil, as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that won't interfere with the chicken's taste. However, other oils with high smoke points, such as canola oil or peanut oil, can also be used. The oil temperature is crucial: it needs to be hot enough to cook the chicken quickly and create a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside is cooked through. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key to achieving evenly cooked and perfectly crispy chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Copycat KFC Fried Chicken

1. Preparing the Chicken: Brining and Cutting

Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken pieces into the classic KFC portions: drumsticks, thighs, breasts, and wings. This ensures even cooking and replicates the familiar KFC presentation. Next, prepare the brine by dissolving salt in water. Submerge the chicken pieces in the brine, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This brining process is crucial for juicy and flavorful chicken.

2. Mixing the Spice Blend: The Flavor Foundation

While the chicken is brining, prepare the spice blend. In a large bowl, combine all the spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried mustard, celery salt, ginger, white pepper, cayenne pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. This spice blend is the heart of the KFC flavor, so don't skimp on the measurements. The aroma alone will transport you to your favorite fast-food joint.

3. Preparing the Coating: Double Dredging for Crispiness

In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour with a portion of the spice blend. This ensures that the coating is packed with flavor. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving a crispy crust, as excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly. Now, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dip the chicken back into the brine, and dredge it again in the flour mixture. This double-dredging technique is the key to the signature KFC crust.

4. Frying the Chicken: Achieving Crispy Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). The oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy and evenly cooked chicken. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for about 15-18 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

5. Resting and Serving: The Final Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. This allows excess oil to drip off, resulting in crispier chicken. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product. Serve the copycat KFC fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits. Enjoy the taste of homemade goodness that rivals the fast-food original!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Copycat KFC Fried Chicken

  • Don't skip the brining: Brining is essential for juicy and flavorful chicken. It's worth the extra time and effort.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • Maintain the oil temperature: Keeping the oil temperature consistent is crucial for achieving crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  • Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after frying allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe aims to replicate the classic KFC original fried chicken, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the spice blend. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor. For a healthier option, try baking the chicken instead of frying it, although the texture won't be quite as crispy. You can also use different cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Copycat KFC fried chicken is delicious on its own, but it's even better when served with classic sides. Mashed potatoes and gravy are a must-have, as is creamy coleslaw. Biscuits are another popular choice, and they're perfect for soaking up the flavorful chicken juices. You can also serve the chicken with corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, or your favorite potato salad. For a complete KFC experience, don't forget the dipping sauces! Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are all great options. With this recipe and these serving suggestions, you can create a homemade KFC feast that will rival the real thing.

Conclusion

Making copycat KFC fried chicken at home may seem like a daunting task, but with this recipe and a little patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The secret spice blend, the brining process, and the double-dredging technique are all essential for achieving that signature KFC flavor and crispy texture. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade fried chicken that rivals the fast-food original. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with your culinary skills. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of copycat KFC fried chicken made right in your own kitchen!