Making KFC-style fried chicken at home involves a few essential steps: marinating the chicken, coating it in a seasoned flour mixture, and then deep-frying it to achieve that crispy and flavorful crust. Here's a basic recipe for making KFC-style fried chicken at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds (approx. 1 kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, etc.)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk (or milk and vinegar/lemon juice) with the salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using).
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and make sure they are fully coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for better flavor).
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish or a large plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well to create the seasoned flour mixture.
Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. The oil should be around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry the chicken in batches if needed, depending on the size of your pot.
- Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the crust to set.
Enjoy your homemade KFC-style fried chicken! You can serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob, for a complete and delicious meal. Remember to handle hot oil with care and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.