Imagine yourself in a bustling kitchen, the aroma of herbs and spices filling the air as a batch of crispy, golden fried chicken sizzles in a large cast iron skillet. This is where the magic happens – the birthplace of KFC’s original fried chicken recipe.
Tastes Just Like the Original
With this recipe, you can recreate the iconic taste of KFC’s original fried chicken right in your own kitchen. The crispy coating, juicy meat, and perfect blend of herbs and spices will have you coming back for more.
Reasons to Make This Dish
- Authentic flavor
- Family favorite
- Easy to make
- Cost-effective
Why My Family Loves This Meal
Every Sunday, my family gathers around the table to enjoy a feast of KFC-inspired fried chicken. The crispy coating and juicy meat never fail to bring smiles to our faces, making it a beloved tradition in our household.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts): 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Flour: 2 cups
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Pepper: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon
- Onion powder: 1 tablespoon
- Oil for frying: enough to fill a large skillet or deep fryer
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure to marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Cutting Techniques
When cutting the chicken into pieces, be sure to use a sharp knife and apply even pressure to ensure clean cuts. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent any uneven cooking.
Kitchen Tools Required
To make this dish, you will need a large skillet or deep fryer for frying the chicken, a pair of tongs for flipping the chicken pieces, and a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Temperature and Timing Guide
Heat the oil to 350°F before adding the chicken pieces. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Chicken not crispy enough: Increase the frying time for a crispier coating.
- Chicken overcooked: Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Oil temperature too low: Allow the oil to heat up before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
Instructions
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip the coated chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Each serving of KFC-inspired fried chicken contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal option.
Tips for Restaurant Quality Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Monitor the oil temperature to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe
If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding different herbs and spices to the flour mixture for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of oil for frying to achieve a different texture.
Final Thoughts
Recreating KFC’s original fried chicken recipe at home is a rewarding experience that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Follow these steps, tips, and tricks to achieve restaurant-quality results and enjoy a delicious meal that will transport you to the heart of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
