The KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe is the heart and soul of the KFC brand, concocted by Colonel Harland Sanders himself. Despite many attempts to decipher the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, the official recipe remains a secret locked away in a vault in Louisville, Kentucky. However, this recipe will help you create fried chicken that gets pretty close to the real deal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried mustard
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 chicken, cut up, the breast pieces cut in half for more even frying
- Expeller-pressed canola oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the flour and all the herbs and spices. This forms your coating mixture.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk and beaten egg together.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, then roll them in the flour mixture. Repeat this process twice.
- Let the chicken pieces rest for 20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken better.
- In a deep pan, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure you have enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn the pieces occasionally for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done – it should read 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 175°F (80°C) for thighs and wings.
- Once cooked, place the chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
- Let it cool slightly and then serve hot for that amazing fresh-from-the-fryer taste!n
