Classic KFC Original Secret Chicken

 

Classic KFC Original Secret Chicken

Introduction

The allure of KFC's original recipe fried chicken lies in its perfectly seasoned, crispy coating and juicy, tender meat. This iconic dish has been a favorite for decades, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of fried chicken lovers around the world. While the exact blend of 11 herbs and spices is a closely guarded secret, this recipe aims to replicate the magic of KFC's classic fried chicken right in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a homemade version of this timeless favorite that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

-8 pieces of chicken (4 drumsticks and 4 thighs)

-2 cups buttermilk

-1 teaspoon salt

-1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Seasoned Flour Coating:

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 tablespoon salt

-1 tablespoon paprika

-1/2 tablespoon black pepper

-1/2 tablespoon white pepper

-1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

-1/2 tablespoon onion powder

-1/2 tablespoon dried thyme

-1/2 tablespoon dried basil

-1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

-1/2 tablespoon celery salt

-1/2 tablespoon ground ginger

-1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

For Frying:

-Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (enough to fill a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven about halfway)

-Equipment Needed

-Large mixing bowls

-Whisk

-Large deep skillet or Dutch oven

-Tongs

-Cooling rack

-Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1-Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to ensure the salt and pepper are evenly distributed.

2-Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight. This process makes the chicken more tender and boosts its flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Coating

1-Mix the Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, celery salt, ground ginger, and ground mustard. Whisk until all the spices are well incorporated into the flour.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1-Coating Setup: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Set up a coating station by placing the bowl of seasoned flour next to the marinated chicken.

2-Coat the Chicken: Working with one piece at a time, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking sheet and repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1-Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven until it’s about halfway full. Warm the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature.

2-Fry the Chicken: Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

3-Drain the Chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces, allowing the oil to return to the correct temperature between batches.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken

1-Final Touches: Allow the fried chicken to cool slightly before serving to let the juices redistribute and the coating to set.

2-Serve and Enjoy: Serve the classic KFC-style fried chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits, for a truly authentic experience.

Tips for Success

-Buttermilk Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and succulent.

-Seasoning Balance: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

-Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through; if it's too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

-Resting Time: Allowing the fried chicken to rest on a cooling rack helps prevent the bottom from becoming soggy and ensures an even texture.

Variations

-Spicy Fried Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour for a spicier version.

-Herb-Infused: Mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, into the seasoned flour for an aromatic twist.

-Buttermilk Ranch Coating: Add 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning to the flour mixture for a tangy and flavorful coating.

Nutritional Information

-Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (depending on the size and cut of the chicken pieces).

-Protein: High in protein due to the chicken.

-Fat: Contains a moderate amount of fat from the frying process.

-Vitamins and Minerals: Provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and zinc from the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

-Traditional Sides: Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a true KFC experience.

-Healthy Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.

-Sauces: Provide an assortment of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Conclusion

-Recreating KFC's original fried chicken at home is a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. This detailed recipe guides you through each step, from marinating the chicken to frying it to golden perfection. With its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy meat, this homemade version of KFC's classic fried chicken is sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a picnic, or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Additional Tips

Double Coating: For an extra crispy texture, double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.

Oven-Finished: If you’re concerned about fully cooking the chicken without burning the coating, you can finish the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Oil Choice: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying.

Creative Twists

Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of bone-in pieces for a quicker cooking time and kid-friendly option.

Chicken Sandwich: Make a delicious fried chicken sandwich by serving the chicken in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Chicken and Waffles: Pair the fried chicken with homemade waffles and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.

Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect fried chicken at home requires a bit of practice and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. This recipe for Classic KFC Original Secret Chicken provides a thorough guide to achieving that iconic flavor and texture. Enjoy the process of making this beloved dish and savor every bite of your homemade fried chicken. Share it with friends and family, and delight in the compliments you'll receive for mastering this classic recipe.