The Ultimate Guide to Homemade KFC-Style Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, is renowned worldwide for its finger-licking good fried chicken. The crispy and flavorful coating, combined with tender and juicy chicken, has made KFC a fast-food favorite for decades. While enjoying KFC at its outlets is undoubtedly convenient, there's a unique satisfaction in recreating the magic in your own kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making chicken that rivals the taste and texture of KFC's iconic fried chicken.

Ingredients:

Chicken Pieces:

• 2 pounds of chicken, cut into desired pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breasts)
• Marinade:
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Frying:

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the marinade.

Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Prepare the Coating:

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.

Coat the Chicken:

Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Take each marinated chicken piece, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.

Double Coating (Optional):

For an extra crispy layer, repeat the coating process. Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade and then into the flour mixture once again.

Fry the Chicken:

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, usually 12-15 minutes for larger pieces.

Drain and Rest:

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain. Place the chicken on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your homemade KFC-style fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.

Tips and Variations:

Adjust the level of heat by altering the amount of hot sauce in the marinade.

Experiment with different herbs and spices in the coating to suit your taste preferences.

For a healthier alternative, you can also try baking the chicken in the oven after a light spray of cooking oil.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of making KFC-style fried chicken at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. With the right combination of marination, coating, and frying techniques, you can achieve a crispy, flavorful chicken that rivals the taste and satisfaction of the iconic fast-food favorite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this homemade KFC-style fried chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delicious results of your kitchen prowess.