The aroma of crispy fried chicken wafting through the air is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. When you bite into that perfectly seasoned skin and tender meat, it’s a flavor experience that transports you straight to your favorite fast-food joint—without the drive-thru line!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best oil for frying Homemade KFC Chicken?
- Can I bake instead of fry my chicken?
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up my homemade KFC chicken, I’m reminded of family gatherings where my grandma would serve her secret fried chicken recipe. The laughter around the table and the satisfied expressions are memories that I cherish deeply. Whether it’s a casual Sunday dinner or a festive celebration, this dish brings everyone together like magic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making homemade KFC chicken is easier than you think; you’ll impress your friends without breaking a sweat
- This recipe offers a blend of spices that creates an unforgettable flavor
- Visually appealing and golden brown, it’s perfect for serving at parties or family dinners
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with various sides for any occasion
Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch! My friends can’t get enough of this dish when I bring it to potlucks—they practically line up for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Pieces: Use bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks for juicy results while frying.
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient that tenderizes the chicken while adding a slight tanginess.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that perfect crunchy coating; sifting gives it a light texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve extra crispiness—trust me on this one!
- Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These create that famous flavor profile—don’t skip on these!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point for frying; peanut or canola oil works great.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for a delicious journey as we make this delightful dish step by step!
Marinate the Chicken: Start by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This step ensures tenderness and juiciness.
Prepare Your Coating: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until evenly blended—the aroma will excite you!
Dredge the Chicken: Take each marinated piece out of buttermilk and let excess drip off before dredging in the flour mixture. Ensure every nook is covered because we want maximum crunch!
Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat, add enough vegetable oil to submerge half of your chicken pieces. Heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C)—this ensures perfect frying.
Fry It Up!: Carefully place your coated chicken into hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy—about 10-12 minutes per side depending on size.
Drain and Serve!: Once done frying, transfer your chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Season lightly with additional salt while still hot then serve immediately!
You’ve just created something extraordinary! Enjoy your homemade KFC chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes—and don’t forget some gravy for good measure!
Now go ahead; indulge yourself guilt-free because you made it from scratch!
You Must Know
- The secret to crispy, juicy Homemade KFC Chicken lies in the marination and proper frying technique
- Allow the chicken pieces to sit in the buttermilk for a few hours, or overnight if you can wait
- This ensures moisture and flavor, making every bite irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in seasoned buttermilk, then dredge it in flour before frying. This sequence helps develop that signature crunch and juicy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Add cayenne for heat or garlic powder for depth. Customizing the seasoning can elevate your Homemade KFC Chicken to your personal flavor paradise.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fried chicken, use a deep frying thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking and crispiness
- Let the chicken rest after frying to keep it juicy and flavorful
The first time I made Homemade KFC Chicken, my friends declared me the “Fried Chicken Queen.” Their laughter filled my kitchen as they devoured every piece—definitely a night I won’t forget!
FAQ
What is the best oil for frying Homemade KFC Chicken?
Use oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil for frying.
Can I bake instead of fry my chicken?
Yes, baking is an alternative but may yield less crispy results than frying.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Homemade KFC Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the irresistible crunch and flavor of homemade KFC chicken, perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil (peanut or canola)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 10-12 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
