How To Fry Chicken Like Kfc

Master the Art of Fried Chicken at Home

Who doesn’t love the crispy, flavorful goodness of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)? The secret behind their finger-licking deliciousness lies in their unique frying technique. In this article, we’ll uncover the magic of KFC’s fried chicken and learn how to recreate it in your own kitchen.

The Four Essential Steps

Seasoning: Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a blend of secret herbs and spices. While KFC’s famous formula remains a closely guarded secret, you can experiment with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Dredging: Prepare a dredging station with two bowls – one filled with beaten eggs and the other with a mixture of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, and then into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a crust.
Frying: To achieve that signature KFC crunch, deep frying is the way to go. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Draining and Resting: Once your chicken is done frying, carefully remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to settle and the crust to become even crispier.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

If you want your fried chicken to be even more reminiscent of KFC’s, here are a few additional tips:

Buttermilk Soak: To tenderize the chicken and add extra moisture, soak it in buttermilk overnight before proceeding with the seasoning and dredging process.
Double Dredge: For an extra crispy coating, repeat the dredging process by dipping the chicken back into the egg mixture, then the flour mixture, before frying.
Resting Time: After the second dredge, allow the chicken to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken better during frying.
Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the frying process. Too hot, and the chicken will burn; too cold, and it will become greasy. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

Enjoy Your Homemade KFC-Style Fried Chicken

Now that you have the secrets to frying chicken like KFC, it’s time to head to your kitchen and put your new skills to the test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t come out exactly like KFC’s. With time and a bit of experimentation, you’ll be serving up deliciously crispy fried chicken that rivals your favorite fast-food joint.

So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food in the comfort of your own home!

Want to share your tips and techniques for frying up chicken that tastes just like KFC? Head over to the Cooking Techniques forum and join the discussion on how to fry chicken like KFC.

FAQ:

Can I use boneless chicken to fry chicken like KFC?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken to fry chicken like KFC. However, keep in mind that KFC’s signature fried chicken is typically made using bone-in pieces such as chicken thighs, legs, and wings. Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and juiciness to the fried chicken. If you decide to use boneless chicken, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.

How can I achieve that signature KFC crispy coating?

To achieve the crispy coating that KFC is known for, there are a few key steps to follow. First, marinate your chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk and spices for at least a couple of hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Then, before frying, dip the marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flour to adhere better to the chicken and helps create a crispy coating when fried.

Can I make KFC-style fried chicken without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! While deep frying is the traditional method for making KFC-style fried chicken, you can achieve similar results without a deep fryer. Simply heat a large pot with enough oil for shallow frying (about 1-2 inches deep) on the stovetop. Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350-375°F (175-190°C) throughout the frying process. Flip the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve a crispy exterior.

How long should I fry the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked?

The cooking time for fried chicken can vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken pieces. Dark meat such as thighs and drumsticks generally take longer to cook compared to white meat like chicken breast. As a general guideline, fry bone-in chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For boneless chicken, the cooking time may be shorter, typically around 8-10 minutes per side, but ensure it’s thoroughly cooked before consuming.

Can I use a different spice blend instead of KFC’s secret recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different spice blends to suit your personal taste preferences. While KFC’s secret recipe is not publicly known, you can create your own flavorful spice blend using a combination of common spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt. Adjust the quantities to your liking and coat the chicken well before frying. Remember, the spice blend is what adds that unique taste to KFC-style fried chicken, so feel free to get creative!

How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy on the inside while frying?

To ensure your fried chicken remains juicy on the inside, proper marination and cooking techniques are essential. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture. Additionally, using a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the chicken may cook too quickly on the outside while the inside remains undercooked. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature and cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will help ensure juiciness.

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