Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe

Craving that unmistakable crunch of Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken? Look no further! This recipe is a labor of love, born out of a snowy day when a hankering for that iconic fast-food flavor couldn’t be denied. With a blend of herbs and spices meticulously perfected over time, this homemade version hits all the right notes — crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

The secret to this mouthwatering fried chicken lies in the double-dredging technique and the perfect balance of seasonings, including a unique mix of white and black pepper for that classic KFC heat. The result? A golden, craggy crust that promises a satisfying crunch with every bite. By letting the chicken rest in the seasoned flour before frying, you’re setting the stage for the ultimate crispy coating that’s sure to impress.

Whether you stick to the traditional frying method or opt for a slightly healthier twist by baking, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that oil (or shortening for a more authentic touch), and get ready to create a fried chicken experience that rivals your favorite fast-food joint. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will have your family flocking to the kitchen in anticipation of that unmistakable aroma.

Quick Benefits

• Authentic Flavor: Recreate the iconic KFC taste with a unique blend of herbs and spices, delivering a flavorful experience reminiscent of the original.
• Crispy Crunch: The double-dredging technique creates a thick, craggy crust that’s extra crispy and crunchy, just like the KFC chicken you love.
• Versatile Preparation: Adapt the recipe for a healthier option by baking the chicken or using a combination of vegetable oil and butter, without compromising on taste or texture.
• Family Favorite: Enjoy the joy of making a beloved fast-food favorite at home, tailored to your preferences and creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Iconic Fast-Food Flavor at Home: Recreate the iconic KFC-style fried chicken with a crispy, perfectly seasoned crust and juicy, tender meat inside.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust the blend of herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences, creating a flavorful and less greasy version than the restaurant original.
• Double Pepper Heat: The unique combination of white and black pepper creates a distinctive heat that lingers pleasantly without overwhelming the palate, just like the Colonel’s secret recipe.
• Extra Crispy Crunch: The double-dredging technique with buttermilk and flour ensures a thick, craggy crust, and dipping the chicken back in the buttermilk for that extra coating creates those coveted crispy, crunchy bits.
• Master the Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 325-350°F for perfectly cooked fried chicken; invest in a deep-fry thermometer to achieve the right crispiness without burning or greasiness.
• Healthier Options Available: Adapt the recipe by using a combination of vegetable oil and butter, or oven-bake the chicken for a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor and texture.
• Family Favorite: A snowstorm discovery that surpassed the local KFC version, this recipe brings joy to families with its magical aroma and the joy of homemade fast-food favorites.
• Enhance Crispiness: Let the chicken rest in the seasoned flour coating before frying for 15 minutes to enhance the crispiness of the final dish.
• Pair with Classic Sides: Serve the fried chicken with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: While frying delivers the most authentic texture, oven-baking on a wire rack offers a healthier option at 400°F, turning halfway through for a delicious meal with significantly less oil.

Ingredients for Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe

Dry Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon ground thyme
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon basil
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
• ⅓ tablespoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon MSG (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder

Chicken and Wet Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten

Frying Medium

• Vegetable shortening for frying (or vegetable oil)

Pro Tips for Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe

To achieve the iconic KFC-style flavor, be sure to let your seasoned chicken rest in the flour coating for 15 minutes before frying. This will help the coating adhere better and create a crispier crust.

For an authentic texture and flavor, consider using vegetable shortening for frying instead of vegetable oil. The shortening will give your fried chicken that extra crunch and richness that closely resembles the traditional KFC experience.

For juicy and tender fried chicken, marinate the chicken in a mixture of full-fat buttermilk and beaten egg for at least 30 minutes before dredging and frying. This step adds flavor and moisture to the meat, ensuring your chicken turns out delicious and succulent.

How to Make Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, ground thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, ground white pepper, and MSG (optional).

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Combine buttermilk and beaten egg in a bowl. Marinate chicken pieces in the mixture for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk mixture and coat them well in the seasoned flour mixture. Allow the coated pieces to sit for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable shortening or oil to 175°C (350°F).

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes per batch.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove fried chicken from the pan using tongs and let them drain on a wire rack. Serve hot with your preferred sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken following the recipe instructions, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. If you have any remaining fried chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container can help absorb excess moisture, keeping the chicken crispy. Store the fried chicken in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days for the best quality.

For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover fried chicken. To freeze, place the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent freezer burn. Frozen fried chicken can last for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen fried chicken, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven to help retain its crispy texture.

Remember that while reheating fried chicken in the oven or an air fryer can help maintain its crispiness, microwaving can make the crust soggy. By storing the Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken properly, you can enjoy its delicious taste and texture even after the initial cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use MSG, you can simply omit it from the recipe. The flavor may be slightly different, but the herbs and spices in the blend will still deliver a tasty result. Additionally, if you don’t have all the individual herbs and spices listed, you can substitute with a pre-made poultry seasoning blend. This can help simplify the ingredient list while still providing a flavorful coating for your fried chicken.

For a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, you can replace the chicken with tofu, seitan, or even cauliflower florets for a plant-based alternative. Adjust the marinating time accordingly to ensure the flavors penetrate the substitute ingredient. When it comes to the buttermilk and egg mixture, you can use plant-based alternatives like almond milk or soy milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic the tangy buttermilk flavor and help the coating adhere to the substitute ingredient. Experiment with different textures and flavors to create a delicious plant-based version of this KFC-style fried chicken that suits your dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative way to serve this homemade KFC-style fried chicken, try turning it into sliders! Cut the crispy chicken into smaller pieces and sandwich them between soft slider buns with a dollop of spicy mayo or tangy pickles for a delightful bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties or snacks.

Another creative serving suggestion is to deconstruct the classic KFC meal by serving the fried chicken alongside mini bowls of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Guests can create their own KFC-inspired bowl by mixing and matching the sides with the crispy chicken pieces, allowing for a customizable and interactive dining experience that captures the essence of the iconic fast-food chain.

FAQs for Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe

Can I use vegetable oil instead of vegetable shortening for frying?

Yes, vegetable oil can be used, but shortening offers a more authentic texture and flavor.

How long should I soak the chicken in the buttermilk and egg mixture?

Soak the chicken in a mixture of full-fat buttermilk and beaten egg for at least 30 minutes for tender, juicy results.

What sides do you recommend serving with this fried chicken?

Sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and biscuits complement fried chicken perfectly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option?

While frying gives the most authentic texture, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for a healthier option.

Conclusion

As you embark on your journey to recreate the magic of Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken in your own kitchen, remember that cooking is all about making it your own. Experiment with the seasoning, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, and most importantly, enjoy the process. The joy of cooking is not just in the delicious end result but also in the memories you create along the way.

Whether you’re making this recipe for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, the satisfaction of biting into a piece of perfectly crispy, flavorful fried chicken is unparalleled. So, gather your loved ones around, set the table with your favorite sides, and savor each bite of this homemade delight. From my kitchen to yours, may your Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken always bring smiles and moments of togetherness. Happy cooking!