Who doesn’t crave the iconic crispy fried chicken from KFC? With its crunchy coating, juicy meat, and secret blend of spices, KFC-style chicken has won millions of hearts across the globe. But what if you could recreate that magic right in your own kitchen?
In this blog, we’ll show you how to make KFC-style fried chicken at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re cooking for a party, a family meal, or just treating yourself, this homemade recipe guarantees crispy, flavorful, and tender fried chicken every time.
Let’s get started!
Why Make KFC-Style Chicken at Home?
- Affordable: Save money by cooking at home.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels as per your taste.
- No Preservatives: 100% homemade and fresh.
- Fun Cooking Experience: Great for weekend cooking or family fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken (drumsticks or thighs preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup curd + ½ cup water)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust as needed)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
For the Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika or red chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mixed herbs or Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder (makes it extra crispy)
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying (sunflower or refined oil works best)
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make KFC Style Fried Chicken at Home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marinating is the key to juicy and flavorful chicken.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
This coating gives the signature crispy texture.
- In a wide bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, pepper, herbs, garlic powder, and baking powder.
- Mix thoroughly and keep it aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
To get that extra crispy crust like KFC:
- Take each marinated chicken piece and let the excess marinade drip off.
- Dredge it in the flour coating. Press firmly to ensure the flour sticks well.
- For double coating (extra crunch), dip the flour-coated chicken back into the marinade quickly and coat again in flour.
- Place coated chicken on a tray and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Time to get crispy!
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai on medium heat (around 170°C or 340°F).
- Gently place 2–3 chicken pieces at a time (do not overcrowd).
- Fry on medium heat for about 10–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked inside.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
Pro Tips for Perfect KFC-Style Fried Chicken
- Don’t skip the marinade time – it’s essential for juicy chicken.
- Double coating gives that iconic flaky crust.
- Maintain medium heat while frying. Too high will burn the crust, too low will make it soggy.
- Use a thermometer if possible to ensure correct frying temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw salad
- Mayonnaise or spicy garlic dip
- Soft drinks or mojito
Storage Tips
- Reheat: You can store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Avoid microwave: It may make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per piece)
- Calories: 300–350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 20g
FAQs – KFC-Style Fried Chicken at Home
Q1. Can I bake or air fry instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes or use an air fryer for a healthier version, but the texture may differ slightly.
Q2. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken strips or tenders work great too.
Q3. What makes KFC chicken so crispy?
The double coating, seasoning mix, and perfect frying temperature create that iconic crunch.
There you have it – a simple yet mouthwatering recipe to make KFC-style fried chicken at home. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a must-try for every chicken lover.
Now, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and bring home the irresistible taste of KFC – homemade with love!