KFC Style Fried Chicken at Home
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a piece of perfectly crispy, golden fried chicken.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried recreating that iconic KFC-style crunch at home, only to find it’s trickier than it seems.
After countless experiments (and a few oil splatters), I’ve finally cracked the code!
This recipe will help you achieve juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy, well-seasoned crust – all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Tools Table
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot | For frying the chicken evenly | Online, kitchenware stores |
| Kitchen thermometer | To ensure oil stays at the right temperature | Online, kitchen supply stores |
| Mixing bowls | For preparing the coating and brine | Any home goods store |
| Tongs | For safely flipping and removing chicken | Online, supermarkets |
| Wire rack | For draining excess oil to keep crispiness | Baking supply stores, online |
Prep Time
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Active Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For Brining
- 500g Chicken (bone-in, skin-on pieces)
- 1000ml Water
- 1.5 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Shallot (chopped)
For Coating
- 240g All-purpose flour
- 60g Cornstarch
- 1 Tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Garlic powder
- 1 Tsp Chili powder
- 1 Tsp Onion powder
- 1 Tsp Black pepper
Wet Batter
- 2 Eggs
- 100ml Water
For Frying
- Cooking oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Brining the Chicken (6 Hours)
- In a large bowl, combine water, salt, sugar, and chopped shallot.
- Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours. This helps the chicken stay juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with water to create the wet batter.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels.
- Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, then into the wet batter, and once again into the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken for a craggy, crispy texture.
Step 4: Frying the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 170°C (340°F).
- Carefully lower chicken pieces into the oil using tongs.
- Fry for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 75°C/165°F).
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crisp.
Food Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken for up to 2 months; fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Pro Tips
- Double coating ensures extra crunch.
- Cornstarch helps create that signature crispy texture.
- Use high-smoke point oils like peanut or vegetable oil.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying for better adhesion.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer, as it lowers the oil temperature and makes the chicken soggy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fats | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
FAQs
1. How do I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
Use cornstarch in the flour mix and double dredge (flour-batter-flour) for maximum crunch.
2. What oil is best for frying?
Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil work best due to their high smoke point.
3. Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Substitute eggs with a mixture of buttermilk or a cornstarch slurry.
4. How do I know if my chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temp should be 75°C (165°F).
5. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Adjust frying time to about 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more satisfying than homemade KFC-style fried chicken.
With this foolproof method, you can enjoy that irresistible crunch and juicy bite anytime.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your crispy creations!