Kentucky Fried Chicken
Here is a straightforward way to make Kentucky Fried Chicken at home, with a clear ingredient list and step-by-step instructions you can follow without guesswork. Sweet without being heavy, it works just as well for an afternoon treat as for dessert. Scroll down for the ingredients, the step-by-step method, and answers to the questions we get asked most about it.
- Level Hard
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 2 Quarts neutral frying Oil
- 1 Egg White
- 1 ½ cup Flour
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Onion Salt
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Celery Salt
- ½ tsp Sage
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Allspice
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Basil
- ½ tsp Marjoram
Method
- Preheat fryer to 350°F. Thoroughly mix together all the spice mix ingredients.
- Combine spice mix with flour, brown sugar and salt.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg white to lightly coat them, then transfer to flour mixture. Turn a few times and make sure the flour mix is really stuck to the chicken. Repeat with all the chicken pieces.
- Let chicken pieces rest for 5 minutes so crust has a chance to dry a bit.
- Fry chicken in batches. Breasts and wings should take 12-14 minutes, and legs and thighs will need a few more minutes. Chicken pieces are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.
- Let chicken drain on a few paper towels when it comes out of the fryer. Serve hot.
Tips for the best Kentucky Fried Chicken
- Let the chicken come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 17 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- For a milder version, remove the chilli seeds; for more heat, add them at the start so the oil picks it up.
Variations
- Mild version: halve the chilli and finish with a spoon of yoghurt or cream to soften the heat.
- Swap the chicken for turkey or firm tofu or chickpeas — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Fusion twist: keep the method but swap the spices for your own favourites — the United States base takes well to it.
Serving ideas
Best with fresh berries on the side and a little whipped cream.
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for whole chicken?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Can I make Kentucky Fried Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
Is this Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe hard to make?
It is rated hard: 17 ingredients and 6 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Recipe data via TheMealDB — source
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