Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly crispy fried chicken—the skin crackles as your teeth sink in, releasing the savory aroma of spices that dance around your kitchen. This kfc fried chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to a sunny picnic or a cozy family gathering. The sound of laughter mingles with the sizzling oil, promising joy in every crunchy bite.

As I recall my childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s house, the memory of her finger-licking good fried chicken brings a smile to my face. She would always have a secret spice blend ready and waiting, making her kitchen smell like heaven. This is how I came to appreciate the magic of fried chicken; it’s more than food—it’s love served on a plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This kfc fried chicken recipe is easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have at home.
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
- Visually appealing with its golden-brown crust, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Versatile enough to enjoy alone or as part of a hearty meal, everyone will ask for seconds!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends raved about how delicious it was and even fought over the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Pieces: Opt for bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- All-Purpose Flour: A great base for the coating; it gives that ideal crunch when fried.
- Cornstarch: This little secret ingredient adds extra crispiness to your chicken.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all those lovely flavors in your chicken.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness; it elevates the taste beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that adds depth and richness to the seasoning mix.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives your dish that kick we all love.
- Buttermilk: A crucial step for marinating; it tenderizes the chicken while adding moisture.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools like mixing bowls and frying pans.
Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk over them until they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight if possible—to ensure deep flavor infusion.
Mix Your Coating Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended. This mixture is key to achieving that signature crunchy coating.
Dredge Like a Pro: Remove each piece from buttermilk one at a time. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging in your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered!
Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering—about 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to cover half of each piece when frying.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil without overcrowding them. Fry each side for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—a delicious smell will fill your kitchen!
Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for five minutes before serving—this helps maintain crispiness.
Enjoy sharing your masterpiece with friends or family; just be prepared for compliments flying your way!
Now you have everything you need to create this mouthwatering kfc fried chicken recipe right at home. No secret herbs or spices required—just love (and maybe some extra napkins).
You Must Know
- Use a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful crust.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour for deeper flavor.
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve crispy perfection.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for flavor and tenderness. Then, prepare your seasoned flour while heating oil to the right temperature—375°F is your golden ticket.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices based on personal preference. You can add cayenne pepper for heat or even some garlic powder for an extra zing!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A great KFC fried chicken recipe requires precise techniques.
- Keep an eye on oil temperature; too hot burns the coating, while too cool makes it soggy.
- Remember to rest the chicken after frying; this helps it stay juicy and flavorful.
Cooking this KFC fried chicken recipe brought back memories of family gatherings. Everyone loved how crispy it turned out, with my uncle sneaking seconds like he was on a mission!
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for this KFC fried chicken recipe?
Yes, but bone-in pieces tend to retain moisture better during frying.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Peanut oil is excellent due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How can I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
Double-dip the chicken in seasoned flour before frying for added crunch.

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
Delight in this homemade KFC-inspired fried chicken recipe, featuring a crispy coating and juicy meat that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the coating: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: Remove each piece from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat the oil: In a skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 10-12 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest before serving: Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in seasoned flour before frying.
- Feel free to add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or experiment with different spices based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 130g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg