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KFC Fried Chicken Copycat Recipe

Crispy KFC-Style Fried Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 630
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (about 3 lbs)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Neutral oil for frying (about 4 cups)

Method
 

  1. Whisk buttermilk and egg in a large bowl, add chicken, and marinate at least 4 hours.
  2. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and all spices in a shallow dish.
  3. Dredge chicken pieces, pressing firmly until thickly coated.
  4. Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil until golden and 165°F (74°C) internal, turning once.
  5. Drain on a wire rack and serve hot.

Notes

You need to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours (overnight is better), so plan ahead. That time is not included in the prep estimate above. For the crust to stay crisp, always rest the chicken on a wire rack, never on paper towels alone.