Description
This Homemade KFC Chicken recipe recreates the juicy, flavorful fried chicken classic loved worldwide. Marinated in a spiced buttermilk mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour blend and fried to crispy golden perfection, this dish captures the iconic taste and texture of KFC-style chicken in your own kitchen. Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Coating and Frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (enough to cover chicken pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare for Breading: Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow the excess to drip off. Place the flour in a shallow dish ready for coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of the marinated chicken in the flour, pressing down gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Cook Thoroughly: Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking for even browning, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked chicken from the oil using tongs and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil, maintaining crispness without greasiness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level for mild to spicy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for the best crispy results.
- Drain the cooked chicken well to reduce oiliness and keep the coating crisp.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: fried chicken, KFC chicken recipe, homemade fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, crispy chicken, comfort food
