Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible
Craving that crispy, golden, and flavorful fried chicken just like the famous KFC recipe? Now you can make it at home with this easy and delicious method! This Homemade KFC Chicken recipe gives you perfectly seasoned, crunchy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken that’s just as good—if not better—than what you’d get from a restaurant.
Introduction
Fried chicken is one of the most iconic comfort foods, loved for its crispy texture and savory flavor. The secret behind the best homemade fried chicken lies in the seasoning, double-coating method, and proper frying technique. This Homemade KFC Chicken recipe captures that signature crispy coating and mouthwatering taste without needing a deep fryer or a long list of complicated ingredients.
This recipe combines simple kitchen staples with a few pro techniques to ensure your chicken is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game night, or special occasion, this fried chicken will be an instant hit. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for the ultimate meal.
Ingredients
To make this Homemade KFC Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients (Serves 5-6)
- 10 chicken pieces (legs and thighs with skin)
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon chicken or meat seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make Homemade KFC Chicken
1. Season and Prep the Chicken
Start by washing and patting dry the chicken pieces thoroughly. This helps remove any excess moisture, which ensures a crispy crust when frying. Generously season the chicken with salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is well coated.
2. Parboil the Chicken
To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy inside, place the seasoned chicken in a large pot and partially cover it with water. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat while also preventing undercooked centers. Remove from heat, drain the water, and allow the chicken to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Coating Mixtures
To achieve the signature crispy texture, we will use a double-coating technique.
- In one bowl, combine the wheat flour, cornstarch, minced garlic, and chicken seasoning. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. The cornstarch is essential for achieving that light, crispy texture that makes this fried chicken so irresistible.
- In a second bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This wet mixture helps the flour stick to the chicken, creating a thicker, crunchier crust.
4. Coat the Chicken
To get that perfect KFC-style crunch, follow these steps:
- First, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Next, submerge it in the milk-egg mixture for extra moisture.
- Return it to the flour mixture for a second coat, pressing the flour onto the chicken for maximum crispiness.
- Place the coated chicken on a tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help the breading adhere before frying.
5. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or deep pot, pour in enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). You’ll know the oil is ready when a small pinch of flour sizzles immediately upon contact.
6. Fry the Chicken
Fry 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Cook each piece for about 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for fully cooked chicken.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Pair it with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a side of honey butter for the ultimate meal!
Helpful Tips
- Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture gives the chicken an extra crispy and light texture, just like KFC.
- Double-Coating Method: Dipping the chicken twice in the flour mixture creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Rest Before Frying: Letting the coated chicken sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes helps the breading stick better.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil between 350-375°F (175-190°C) for the perfect crisp without burning.
- Drain Properly: Always place fried chicken on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess grease while keeping it crispy.
Cooking Tips
To make your Homemade KFC Chicken even better, try these expert tips:
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
- Use a Buttermilk Marinade: Instead of parboiling, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for extra juiciness.
- Try Air Frying: For a healthier version, cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Homemade KFC Chicken with classic sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy
- Southern-style coleslaw
- Buttery biscuits
- Mac and cheese
- Corn on the cob
Nutritional Information
Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Calcium: 10%
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
- Freeze: Allow fried chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken tenders or breasts work great, but reduce frying time to 6-8 minutes.
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.
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Conclusion
Now you know how to make perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful Homemade KFC Chicken! This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a mouthwatering result every time. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken right at home! 🍗