7 Easy Steps KFC-Style Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy & Juicy!

If only one could satisfy those unbearable cravings for that crunch-once KFC-Way at home! There’s something inexplicable about biting into a piece of beautifully crisp golden brown, brimming with savory flavor, paired with the infamous “11 secret herbs and spices” magic.

The best option is to find out that this secret mix is no secret at all, and with no long lines to suffer through or any drive-thru guilt to look back on, you can recreate the finger-licking wonder right in your very kitchen. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned at-home chef, this recipe teaches you how to prepare KFC-style fried chicken with secrets behind the spice mix, that crunchy coating, and that juicy inside.

What Makes KFC Chicken So Addictive?

So, before jumping to the recipe, let’s try to decode what makes KFC chicken so very addictive:  

• Crispy and Crackling: The double dredging technique is used to form a crunchy, crisp shell.  
• Juicy Meat: Tended for tenderizing, it remained soaking in buttermilk or brine.  
• Elevated by Eleven Herbs and Spices: Secret spices coat every bite.  
• Pressure Frying: KFC uses pressure deep-fryers; so don’t panic if you want to achieve amazing results at home using normal deep frying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start by gathering everything. These are simple, everyday items you can find at any grocery store.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 8 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk (or substitute with milk + vinegar)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce (for extra flavor)

For the Flour Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (extra crunch!)
• 1 tsp baking powder

Secret Spice Blend (11 Spices):

Mix together:

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp celery salt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp mustard powder

For Frying:

• 4–5 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil recommended)

Step-by-Step KFC-Style Chicken Recipe

Let’s walk through this in 7 simple steps. These steps are foolproof, detailed, and perfect for anyone wanting that golden, crispy finish.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Overnight Preferred)

Why this matters:

Marinating breaks down tough muscle fibers and infuses flavor deep into the meat.

Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.
2. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.
3. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pro Tip: The longer the chicken soaks, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

Step 2: Prepare the Secret Spice Blend

While the chicken marinates, mix your 11 spices and store in an airtight container.

Why this matters:

This step saves time later and ensures an even coating when mixing with the flour.

Step 3: Create the Dredge Mixture

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all 11 spices.
2. Mix well with a whisk to ensure even distribution.

Why cornstarch?

It helps achieve that light, airy crunch KFC is famous for.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken – Double for Extra Crunch

Here’s where the magic happens.

Instructions:

1. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
2. Dredge in seasoned flour mix. Press it firmly into the flour.
3. Dip quickly back into the buttermilk.
4. Dredge again in the flour mix (yes, double coat!).

Pro Tip: Use one hand for wet and one for dry to avoid clumping.

Step 5: Let It Rest (Crucial!)

Why this matters:

Letting the coated chicken sit for 10–15 minutes allows the coating to stick better and reduces flour falling off during frying.

Step 6: Fry Until Crispy & Golden

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 340°F (170°C).
2. Work in small batches of two or three pieces, turning occasionally.
3. Deep-fry each piece for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Cool the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels.

Safety Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Use a kitchen thermometer if possible.

Step 7: Let It Cool & Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before biting in. The crust sets better, and the juices redistribute for max flavor.

Optional: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep ahead for a weekend get-together?

• Marinate chicken up to 48 hours ahead.
• Pre-mix your flour and spice coating in a ziplock bag.
• Partially fry and freeze: Fry chicken for half the time, freeze, and finish in an oven when needed.

Perfect Sides for KFC-Style Chicken

What’s fried chicken without some killer sides? Here are a few Southern classics:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these rookie mistakes to ensure crispy success:

Clean-Up Tips After Frying

Yes, frying at home can be messy, but here’s how to manage it smartly:

• Use a splatter screen to minimize oil mess.
• Let oil cool, then strain and store for reuse (if not burnt).
• Wipe surfaces with vinegar + baking soda mix to cut grease.
• Soak utensils and pans immediately for easy scrubbing later.

Customize the Spice Level

Want it spicier? Add:

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• A dash of hot sauce in your marinade

Want it milder? Reduce paprika and black pepper by half.

Why Homemade Wins Every Time

Here’s why you’ll never want fast-food fried chicken again:

• No mystery ingredients
• Less greasy when done right
• You control the spice, salt, and oil
• It’s way cheaper per serving
• You can make a big batch and store leftovers

How to Store & Reheat Fried Chicken

Storing:

• Let chicken cool completely.
• Store in airtight container in fridge for 2–3 days.

Reheating (So It Stays Crispy!):

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking tray.
3. Reheat for 10–15 mins until hot and crisp.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Let chicken cool completely.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven at 375°F (don’t thaw beforehand).

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Fry Like a Pro

You don’t need a secret lab or a pressure fryer to make iconic KFC-style chicken. With just a little time, care, and our 11-spice magic, you can create something so good it might become your new weekend tradition.

This recipe isn’t just about chicken-it’s about joy, family dinners, and that fulfilling crunch that makes you close your eyes in pleasure. So, put on your apron, heat up the oil, and prepare for those next two to five minutes to gorge that chicken into your very own crispy, juicy masterwork.

👨‍🍳 BONUS TIP: Serve it up in a red-and-white striped basket for full KFC-style vibes!

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