Easy Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe for Crispy Comfort Joy

Colonel sanders’ legendary crispy kfc chicken has sparked culinary curiosity among home cooks everywhere.

Passionate food enthusiasts often dream about recreating that iconic golden-brown crunch.

Secret spice blends might seem intimidating at first glance.

Our simplified approach breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps.

Authentic flavors combine perfectly with straightforward cooking methods.

Crispy, juicy chicken awaits with minimal kitchen expertise.

You can master this beloved classic and impress everyone around the dinner table.

Why Homemade KFC Chicken Is So Satisfying

• Unlock Signature Flavor: Recreate the legendary KFC taste right in your kitchen with a perfectly balanced blend of spices and seasonings.
• Master Crispy Coating Technique: Learn a professional-grade breading method that guarantees a crunchy, golden exterior with every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Prepare a universally loved dish that brings families together, perfect for weekend gatherings and casual dinner celebrations.
• Simple Ingredient Accessibility: Use common pantry staples and readily available ingredients, making this recipe budget-friendly and convenient for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Crispy Homemade KFC Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Fresh pieces that create the base of this classic fried chicken recipe.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Create a crispy and textured exterior for the chicken.
• Garlic, Chicken Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the coating.

• Eggs, Evaporated Milk: Help the dry coating adhere to the chicken and create a rich, golden crust.
• Mustard: Provides a subtle tangy undertone to the coating.

• Cooking Oil: Allows the chicken to become crispy and golden brown through deep frying.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions for KFC-Style Chicken

Step 1: Clean and Season Chicken

Rinse chicken pieces under cool water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavors.

Step 2: Gentle Pre-Cook Chicken

Place chicken in a large pot with water that covers about half the meat. Simmer on low heat with a tight lid for 10 minutes.

Remove chicken and thoroughly dry with clean towels.

Step 3: Create Magical Coating Mixtures

Prepare two separate mixing bowls:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Fresh eggs
• Evaporated milk
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Step 4: Master the Coating Technique

Dredge each chicken piece through dry mixture, then completely submerge in wet mixture, then return to dry mixture for thick, crunchy coating.

Let coated chicken rest in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Hot Oil Bath

Select a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot.

Pour vegetable or peanut oil to create a 2-3 inch deep pool. Heat oil to 350°F.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry 2-3 pieces simultaneously to maintain consistent oil temperature.

Cook until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Transfer fried chicken onto wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.

Allow slight cooling. Serve immediately with favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Homemade KFC Chicken

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Chilling the coated chicken helps the breading adhere better, creating a crunchier texture during frying.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt chicken pieces.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Pat excess oil with paper towels immediately after frying to keep the coating extra crisp and reduce greasiness.

Flavor Twists on Classic KFC Chicken Recipe

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch as a binding agent to maintain crispy texture.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes to the flour mixture for a fiery kick. Adjust spice levels to personal heat preference.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep frying and use an air fryer at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Spray chicken with cooking oil to achieve similar crispy exterior without excess oil.
• Buttermilk Brine Version: Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight before coating for extra tenderness and enhanced flavor profile. Replace evaporated milk with buttermilk in coating process.

Suggested Sides for Homemade KFC Chicken

Flavor Fusion Companions: Zesty Beverage Matches

• Refresh with Cola: Pair the crispy chicken with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, whose sweet carbonation cuts through the rich, greasy texture and cleanses the palate perfectly.
• Complement with Chardonnay: Select a chilled, buttery Chardonnay that balances the chicken's spicy coating and provides a smooth, elegant drinking experience.
• Southern Sidekick Sips: Choose sweet tea or a craft beer like amber ale, which enhances the savory chicken flavors with their robust, complementary profiles.
• Tangy Accompaniment: Add a homemade buttermilk ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce to elevate the chicken's crispiness and introduce a cool, creamy contrast.

Proper Storage for Leftover KFC Chicken

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns.

FAQs

• What makes the coating crispy?

The combination of flour, cornstarch, and double-dipping technique creates a super crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and provides that signature KFC-style crunch.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with bone-in chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or wings with similar results.

• Why do I need to partially cook the chicken before frying?

Partially cooking helps ensure the chicken is fully cooked inside without burning the crispy coating, giving you perfectly cooked and golden chicken every time.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the coated chicken before frying?

Yes, chilling helps the coating adhere better and creates a more even, crispier texture when you fry the chicken.

Homemade Kfc Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken brings southern comfort right to kitchen counters with secret spice blends that dance across golden-brown breading. Finger-licking goodness awaits when you embrace this classic American comfort classic that promises restaurant-quality crunch without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 10 pieces chicken (thighs and legs with skin)
• 2 eggs

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat flour
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon chicken or meat seasoning
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Oil for deep frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary tools for chicken preparation. Meticulously cleanse chicken pieces, ensuring they are completely moisture-free using paper towels. Season with a delicate blend of salt and ground pepper.
2. Gently poach chicken in a large pot with minimal water, maintaining low heat for approximately 10 minutes. Cover during cooking process. Once completed, carefully remove and thoroughly pat dry using clean kitchen towels.
3. Craft two distinct coating stations: First station combines flour, cornstarch, finely minced garlic, specialized chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper. Second station requires whisking eggs, evaporated milk, tangy mustard, salt, and additional pepper until smoothly integrated.
4. Execute precise coating technique by first dredging each chicken piece through flour mixture, then immersing in egg blend, and finally returning to flour mixture for complete coverage. Rest coated pieces in refrigerator for 5-7 minutes to enable coating adherence.
5. Prepare deep skillet with sufficient oil, heating to consistent 350°F temperature. Verify oil readiness through gentle sizzling test.
6. Carefully submerge chicken pieces in hot oil, frying 2-3 pieces simultaneously to maintain optimal temperature. Cook until exterior achieves rich golden-brown coloration and interior reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 12-15 minutes.
7. Transfer fried chicken onto absorbent paper to eliminate excess oil. Allow brief resting period before serving alongside complementary side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or crisp coleslaw.

Notes

• Always pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better coating adhesion.
• Refrigerating coated chicken for 15-20 minutes helps create a more stable, crunchier breading that won’t fall off during frying.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free chicken seasoning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg