ADVERTISEMENT
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk and add a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Coat Each Piece: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For extra crunch, you can double-dip by returning the chicken to the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Drain and Cool: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade KFC Original Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Patience is Key: Letting the chicken marinate overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Too low, and the chicken will absorb oil; too high, and the coating may burn before the chicken cooks through.
- Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to maintain its juiciness.
Conclusion
Recreating KFC Original Chicken at home is not only achievable but also incredibly satisfying. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy that crispy, flavorful chicken anytime you crave it. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this homemade version is sure to impress and become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful experience of making KFC-style fried chicken from scratch!