Description
This Copycat KFC Chicken recipe replicates the iconic crispy and flavorful fried chicken with a blend of herbs and spices that perfectly mimic the original. Marinated in buttermilk and egg, the chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a golden brown, then finished in the oven to ensure juicy, fully cooked meat. A sprinkle of MSG seasoning at the end enhances the savory taste, offering a tasty homemade version of the fast-food classic.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1–1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1–1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 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 Marinade
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Chicken and Cooking
- 1 whole chicken, cut into eight pieces
- Neutral oil for frying (such as canola or peanut oil)
- MSG seasoning (like Ajinomoto or Accent), for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Flour and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, celery salt, black pepper, ground yellow mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and ground white pepper. Set this seasoned flour mixture aside for dredging the chicken.
- Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: In another large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg until fully combined to create the marinade that tenderizes and flavors the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk and egg mixture, tossing them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to develop flavor and moisture.
- Preheat Oven and Setup Rack: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set an oven-safe wire cooling rack inside the sheet; this will hold the cooked chicken and keep it crispy.
- Heat the Oil for Frying: In a large Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of neutral oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit over medium-high heat, using a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Remove one piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the piece firmly in the seasoned flour mixture on all sides. Shake off the extra flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying three to four pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 12 minutes, turning them halfway through so they brown evenly and develop a crispy crust.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove fried chicken pieces and transfer them to the prepared baking rack in the oven. This keeps the crust crisp while ensuring the chicken stays hot.
- Repeat Frying Process: Allow the oil to return to 350 degrees before frying additional pieces. Continue the dredging and frying process until all chicken pieces are cooked.
- Finish Cooking in Oven: Let the chicken rest in the oven until each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Season and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle each piece lightly with MSG seasoning for enhanced umami flavor, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade KFC-style chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight results in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Using a thermometer for the oil temperature is crucial to avoid undercooked or greasy chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer to maintain consistent oil temperature and even cooking.
- If you prefer to avoid MSG, you can omit the final seasoning without compromising the flavor too much.
- Neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or peanut oil, work best for frying.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried chicken, KFC copycat, crispy chicken, southern fried chicken, homemade fried chicken
