Recreating this famous fried chicken at home is an exciting culinary adventure. The allure of the KFC Original Recipe lies not only in its crispy exterior and juicy interior but also in its secret blend of spices that has tantalized taste buds for generations. While the exact secret blend remains undisclosed, this homemade version comes remarkably close, offering a taste of that fried chicken magic right from your kitchen.
I first tried making this recipe after countless attempts to find that perfect fried chicken. My family and I used to frequent KFC on weekends, and their chicken was always the highlight of our meals. Inspired by the challenge of replicating their famous flavor, I embarked on a journey to discover the closest homemade approximation. This recipe, with its carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices, is the result of many experiments and taste tests, each one bringing me a step closer to the crispy, flavorful chicken we all love.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
3 beaten eggs
4 tablespoons oil
For the coating:
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or chicken stock powder)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon chives
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting a whole chicken into pieces. You can use the whole chicken cut into drumsticks, thighs, breasts, and wings. If you prefer, you can also ask your butcher to do this for you.
Beat the Eggs: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will be used to coat the chicken pieces before adding the flour mixture.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. This will be used for frying the chicken. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking before you start cooking.
2. Prepare the Coating
Sift the Flour: In a large bowl, sift 2 cups of flour to ensure there are no lumps. Sifting helps create a smoother coating.
Combine the Spices: Add the paprika, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, oregano, tarragon, parsley, thyme, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt to the flour. Mix thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly.
Grind the Mixture: For the most authentic texture, grind the spice mixture finely using a mortar and pestle. This step helps to blend the spices better into the flour and gives the coating a more uniform texture.
Bag the Coating: Transfer the flour and spice mixture into a clean plastic bag. This will be used to coat the chicken pieces.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dredge in Egg: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. This step helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken.
Coat with Flour Mixture: Place the egg-coated chicken pieces into the plastic bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake it well, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly with the flour and spice mixture.
Ensure Even Coating: Remove each piece from the bag and gently shake off any excess flour. The chicken should be well-coated but not overly thick with flour.
4. Fry the Chicken
Brown the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in the skillet. Brown the chicken slowly over medium heat, cooking each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. It’s important to cook the chicken slowly to ensure that the coating is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
Cover and Cook: Once the chicken is browned, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. This method ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy on the inside. Turn the pieces occasionally for even cooking.
5. Drain and Serve
Drain the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove the pieces from the skillet and place them on paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
Serve: Enjoy your homemade fried chicken while it’s still warm. It pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, including spices, are gluten-free.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the flour mixture if you prefer a spicier kick. You can also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce for extra heat.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preference. For instance, you can use rosemary or sage in place of oregano and tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
Buttermilk Soak: For an even more tender and flavorful chicken, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before coating them. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
Summary
The KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe offers a delightful homemade version of a fast-food classic that many of us have cherished for years. This recipe brings together a blend of spices and herbs that deliver a crispy, flavorful coating while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. The process of making this fried chicken at home is both rewarding and enjoyable, allowing you to customize the flavors and textures to your liking.
From the initial preparation to the final serving, this recipe provides a satisfying cooking experience and a delicious result. It’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or simply when you’re craving that classic fried chicken taste. With its rich flavor and crispy texture, this homemade version is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you stick closely to the recipe or make a few adjustments to suit your tastes, this fried chicken is a testament to the joy of home cooking. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results with family and friends.
