If you’ve ever craved that perfectly crispy, flavorful, and juicy Southern classic, you’re in for a treat with this Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s a beloved dish that combines a beautifully spiced flour coating, a rich buttermilk marinade, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken. Whether you’re aiming to impress your family or simply want to savor comfort food at its finest, this recipe captures the magic of that iconic Kentucky taste right in your own kitchen.
Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to build the signature texture and flavor that make this Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe truly unforgettable. Each plays a specific role, from tenderizing the meat to layering on spice and ensuring a wonderfully crispy crust.
- 1¾ cups buttermilk: The acid and fat tenderize the chicken while adding richness to every bite.
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces): Choosing bone-in pieces helps lock in moisture and flavor during frying.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crispy coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- ¼ cup ground paprika: Adds a smoky depth and vibrant color to the crust.
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard: Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the spice blend.
- 1 tablespoon white pepper: Adds heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Infuses a warm, zesty undertone.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: An herbaceous note that complements the richness.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Offers a sweet, aromatic lift.
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper: For a fresh, sharp bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Rounds out the herbal profile.
- 1 teaspoon celery salt: Adds depth and a slight savory edge.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings mellow, nutty garlic flavor that enhances savoriness.
- Canola oil (for frying): Its neutral taste and high smoke point make it perfect for frying.
How to Make Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pouring the buttermilk into a large bowl, then submerge the chicken pieces in it completely. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, although overnight will yield exceptionally tender results. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and acquires subtle tangy flavor throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the chicken marinates, mix the flour with paprika, kosher salt, dry mustard, white pepper, ground ginger, dried thyme, basil, black pepper, oregano, celery salt, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. This adventurous blend creates the iconic crispy crust that’s bursting with layers of flavor after frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or a heavy Dutch oven, pour enough canola oil to reach 3-4 inches deep and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for crispy, golden chicken that is cooked perfectly through without becoming greasy.
Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Take one piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Press it firmly into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every curve is coated well. Carefully lower the piece into the hot oil and fry for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat this delicious process with all pieces, working in batches to preserve the oil temperature.
How to Serve Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the fried chicken for a pop of bright, fresh color and mild herbal notes that balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or tangy pickles pair perfectly with this Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe. They add texture and flavor contrasts, making every bite even more delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this fried chicken on warm buttermilk biscuits with honey drizzled over the top. Alternatively, create a picnic-style spread with assorted dipping sauces such as spicy honey mustard, ranch, or smoky barbecue to let everyone customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for next-day meals or late-night cravings.
Freezing
To freeze, flash-cool the fried chicken on a tray before wrapping pieces individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months to enjoy later without sacrificing much of that crispy charm.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing the chicken on a wire rack inside a baking sheet and warming it in a preheated 375°F oven for about 15 minutes. This method revives the crispiness much better than the microwave, bringing that freshly cooked crunch back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be cautious not to overcook them since they are leaner and cook faster than bone-in pieces. Adjust frying time accordingly and consider flattening them slightly for even cooking.
Is buttermilk essential for this recipe?
Buttermilk is key to tenderizing and adding flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
The blend of spices is what makes this Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe special, but if you need to simplify, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the must-haves. Feel free to experiment with any dried herbs and spices you enjoy.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?
A candy or deep-fry thermometer is ideal for accuracy. Otherwise, you can test by dropping in a small bit of the flour mixture—if it sizzles and rises to the surface steadily, it’s ready.
Can this recipe be made in an air fryer?
While you can attempt an air fryer version, the texture won’t be quite the same as traditional frying. For best results and that authentic Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe crunch, deep frying remains the gold standard.
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. It’s a wonderful way to impress your guests or treat yourself to a Southern classic that’s steeped in tradition. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe has remained a favorite. Dive in and enjoy every crispy, tender, perfectly seasoned bite!
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Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices before being perfectly fried to a crispy golden brown. Ideal for a hearty meal, this dish delivers authentic Southern comfort food right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1¾ cups buttermilk (see note)
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup ground paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Frying
- Canola oil (enough for deep frying, 3-4 inches depth)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a shallow dish, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour with the ground paprika, kosher salt, dry mustard, white pepper, ground ginger, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, dried oregano, celery salt, and garlic powder. This mixture will create a flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Heat the frying oil: In a deep fryer or a large Dutch oven, pour enough canola oil to a depth of 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), which is ideal for frying the chicken evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
- Coat the chicken: Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the surface to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken piece into the hot oil. Fry each piece for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain the chicken: Using tongs, transfer the fried chicken to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. This removes excess oil and helps keep the crust crispy.
- Repeat for all pieces: Continue dredging and frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains steady. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even frying.
Notes
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¾ cups milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer to prevent oil temperature from dropping.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
