Let’s face it – Kentucky Fried Chicken ® is delicious. And expensive. With the price of a single piece of chicken nudging £2, we set off on a mission to see if we could make a copycat KFC ® recipe but cheaper. KFC’s crispy fried chicken is legendary, and at the heart of its appeal is the famous “11 herbs and spices” seasoning blend.
This seasoning mix has a closely guarded secret since Colonel Sanders developed it in the 1940s. It is this seasoning which makes KFC so mouthwateringly perfect. Sleuths have spent decades trying to work out what exactly is in the blend of 11 herbs and spices at KFC. We think this copycat KFC seasoning comes tantalisingly close to the original.
The KFC Secret Recipe
It’s been the best kept secret in the food industry for decades. Even KFC staff do not know what is in it. The recipe itself is kept locked in a safe. The manufacturers who make the seasoning on behalf of KFC, only make portions of the recipe each. Then the parts are combined.
Copycat KFC Recipe
This copycat KFC seasoning is pretty close to the original, It has that savoury yet peppery taste that makes southern fried chicken so good.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon basil
- 1/3 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried mustard
- 4 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons white pepper
Instructions:
- Combine the spices in a bowl. Ensure even mixing of the spices to get the perfect result.
- Store the mix in airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place until ready for use
- Mix with flour at a ratio of 2 cups of flour to 2 tablespoons of mix.
Fried Chicken Using Copycat KFC Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons KFC seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Overnight in the fridge is better if possible. This will help to make the meat nice and tender.
Combine the flour, seasoning mix, and salt in a bowl big enough to be able to dredge the chicken pieces.
Take the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, and dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
In a large, deep frying pan heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Place the coated chicken pieces in the oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
When the chicken is cooked, remove from the oil and drain on kitchen roll. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Recipe for KFC
Follow the recipe above. After coating the chicken in the flour and seasoning mixture let it sit for about 10 minutes to let the coating adhere better.
Heat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent the chicken sticking to the basket.
Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil spray. This will make the chicken nice and crispy.
Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying any dry flour spots with more olive oil spray. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Although nothing can truly replicate the magic of the Colonel’s original recipe, we think this copycat KFC seasoning blend comes close enough to bring a piece of that fast-food legend into your kitchen.
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