Crispy, Finger-Lickin’ KFC Fried Chicken Recipe At Home

Crispy KFC fried chicken has been my ultimate comfort food since childhood.

Secrets passed down through generations make this recipe truly special.

Colonel sanders pioneered a unique blend of herbs and spices that revolutionized fast food.

Marinating the meat ensures deep, rich flavors penetrate every delicious bite.

Kentucky's culinary legacy shines through this iconic dish that brings people together.

Crunchy, golden-brown perfection awaits you with just a few simple steps.

You can recreate this chicken recipe right in your own kitchen, impressing everyone at the table.

Reasons People Love James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

• Savor Signature Flavor: Recreate the iconic KFC taste right in your kitchen, delivering that familiar crispy, well-seasoned crunch everyone loves.
• Master Simple Technique: Break down complex restaurant-style cooking into straightforward steps any home cook can follow, making professional-grade fried chicken accessible.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying and universally appealing.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and seasoning blend to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

What Goes Into James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the base of this classic Southern-style fried chicken dish.

• Egg: Helps create a sticky coating that allows the breading to adhere to the chicken.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a sour flavor to the meat.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, golden-brown coating that seals in the chicken's moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provides essential seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and complexity to the breading's taste profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for deep frying and creates the signature crispy exterior of the chicken.

How To Cook James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Crack eggs into a spacious mixing bowl and pour in buttermilk. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Submerge chicken pieces completely in this liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken soak and absorb the flavors for half an hour at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Mixture

Grab a separate large bowl and combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other dry seasonings. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere. Place coated chicken on a clean tray and let rest for 15 minutes, allowing the coating to set.

Step 4: Prepare for Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect crispy results.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until exterior is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. Let excess oil drip away, which helps maintain crispiness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the deliciously crunchy chicken.

Simple Tips For James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

• Maximize Marinade: Soak chicken in buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat with deep flavor penetration.
• Perfect Flour Coating: Let coated chicken rest before frying to help the breading stick better and create a crispier, more even crust.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain oil at 350F for consistent golden-brown color and prevent greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece cooks evenly without overcrowding.
• Drain and Rest: Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crispy coating from getting soggy and retain maximum crunchiness.

Different Ways To Serve James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly fried chicken.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the dry mixture for a bold, fiery flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating for an aromatic herb-crusted chicken experience.
• Baked Alternative: Swap deep-frying with oven-baking at 425F, spraying chicken with olive oil for a healthier crispy exterior.

What Pairs Well With James Martin KFC Fried Chicken

• Pair Up Crispy Chicken with Sour Slaw: A coleslaw cuts through the richness of fried chicken, balancing flavors with its creamy and crunchy texture.
• Complement with Refreshing Beverage Burst: Ice-cold sweet tea or a light lager beer neutralizes the spicy coating and cleanses the palate between crispy bites.
• Enhance with Creamy Mac and Cheese: The smooth, cheesy side dish provides a comforting contrast to the crunchy chicken, creating a classic Southern-style meal experience.
• Boost with Honey Drizzle Finish: A light drizzle of honey over the chicken adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the savory spices and creates a perfect flavor harmony.

Keep James Martin KFC Fried Chicken Tasty Later

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating.
• Set air fryer to 375F. Arrange chicken in a single layer without overcrowding.

James Martin KFC Fried Chicken FAQ Answers

• What makes KFC's breading so unique?

The secret blend of 11 herbs and spices gives the chicken its distinctive flavor, creating a crispy, well-seasoned coating that sets it apart from other fried chicken recipes.

• Why is buttermilk important in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a sour flavor while helping the breading stick better to the meat, ensuring a crispier and more flavorful result.

• How do I get the perfect crispy coating?

Letting the coated chicken rest for 15 minutes before frying allows the flour to adhere better and creates a crunchier exterior when fried at the right temperature.

Crispy KFC Style Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy KFC fried chicken pays homage to its famous blend of herbs and spices. Golden coating and juicy meat deliver comfort food that never goes out of style.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 whole chicken, jointed
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (240 milliliters)

Breading and Spices:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 3 tablespoons white pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

Herbs and Additional Seasonings:

• 23 tablespoons salt
• 12 tablespoons thyme
• 12 tablespoons basil
• 13 tablespoons oregano
• 12 teaspoon Accent (optional)
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Whisk egg and buttermilk together, creating a rich marinade that will tenderize and flavor the chicken pieces.
2. Submerge chicken completely in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for approximately 30 minutes to enhance moisture and taste.
3. Prepare a seasoned dry mixture by combining flour with carefully selected spices, ensuring an even and flavorful coating.
4. Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip away, then dredge each piece generously in the spiced flour.
5. Let coated chicken rest for 15 minutes, which helps the breading adhere better and creates a crispier exterior.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
7. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
8. Fry chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior turns a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Set the chicken on a wire rack to drain so it stays crisp.
10. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a deliciously crispy and flavorful southern-style fried chicken.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in buttermilk mixture for extra tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour and ensure all spices are gluten-free certified.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better and create crispier exterior.

• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 15-20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 2200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg