Kentucky Fried Chicken
If you’ve ever found yourself craving the crispy, juicy delight of Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’re not alone. This iconic dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many, becoming a staple comfort food across the globe. But what if I told you that you could recreate that finger-licking goodness right in your own kitchen? With a little bit of love and the right ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken that rivals the original. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe and discover the magic behind the crunch!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– The crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to succulent, juicy chicken.
– A perfectly seasoned coating that balances spices and herbs for a flavor explosion.
– The satisfaction of making a classic dish from scratch, ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
– The fun of frying at home, transforming your kitchen into a comforting haven of aromas.
What Goes Into Kentucky Fried Chicken
To create the perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut up into 8 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup ground paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
Equipment Breakdown
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools:
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and frying.
- Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating and coating the chicken.
- Wire rack: Ideal for draining excess oil after frying.
- Cooking tongs: Perfect for safely handling hot chicken pieces.
Kentucky Fried Chicken Cooking Guide
Follow these simple steps to create your own Kentucky Fried Chicken masterpiece:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and beaten egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial for a tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, ground white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ginger, and MSG (if using). This spice blend is what makes your Kentucky Fried Chicken truly special.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In your deep frying pan or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Take one piece at a time and let the excess buttermilk drip off before dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated, then shake off any excess flour.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook for about 12-15 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and fry for another 10-12 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the chicken pieces to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps maintain the crispiness!
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some substitutes you can consider:
- Buttermilk: Use a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of vinegar for a dairy-free option.
- Egg: Substitute with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer.
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- MSG: Omit if you prefer to avoid additives.
Behind the Recipe
The origins of Kentucky Fried Chicken date back to the 1930s when Colonel Harland Sanders began serving fried chicken at his gas station in Corbin, Kentucky. His secret blend of 11 herbs and spices became legendary, leading to the establishment of the KFC franchise. This recipe pays homage to that tradition, focusing on flavor and technique to capture the essence of what makes Kentucky Fried Chicken so beloved.
Save It for Later
If you’re not ready to fry up your chicken just yet, here are some tips for storing your ingredients and cooked chicken:
- Marinated chicken: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Cooked chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to restore crispiness.
Ask the Chef
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! While frying gives that signature crunch, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to use a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate around the chicken.
What can I serve with Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Classic sides include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or biscuits. You can also add some steamed vegetables for a healthier balance!
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken: after the first coat of flour, dip it back into the buttermilk mixture and then back into the flour before frying.
Can I use chicken pieces other than whole chicken?
Absolutely! You can use just drumsticks, thighs, or wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the pieces.
Keep Cooking
If you love this Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, you might also enjoy:
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered the art of creating Kentucky Fried Chicken, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in your homemade feast. The crispy coating, the tender meat, and the delightful seasonings will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy every bite and celebrate the joy of cooking something truly special. Happy frying!
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken - In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and beaten egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Step 2: Prepare the Coating - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, ground white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ginger, and MSG (if using).
- Step 3: Heat the Oil - In your deep frying pan or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Step 4: Coat the Chicken - Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coating.
- Step 5: Fry the Chicken - Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down. Fry for about 12-15 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for another 10-12 minutes.
- Step 6: Drain and Serve - Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Allow to rest before serving.
Notes
- Marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for crispiness.
