Copycat KFC Fried Chicken
Craving crispy, seasoned fried chicken with that classic fast-food crunch? This KFC-inspired fried chicken recipe brings the crunchy coating and savory seasoning home, with juicy chicken underneath.
What You Need
- Chicken pieces
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried herbs and spices
- Neutral frying oil
How to Make Copycat Fried Chicken
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.
- Mix flour with the seasonings.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour.
- For an extra-craggy crust, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it in flour a second time.
- Fry in batches in hot oil until deeply golden and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Transfer to a wire rack so excess oil drains while the crust stays crisp.
How to Get Extra-Crispy Chicken
Don’t overcrowd the pot. Crowding drops the oil temperature and can leave the coating greasy. A wire rack is also better than placing the chicken directly on paper towels because air can circulate underneath the crust.
Can I Bake or Air Fry It?
Yes. The texture won’t be identical to deep-fried chicken, but you can cook the coated chicken in an air fryer or oven until crisp and fully cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Several hours gives the buttermilk time to flavor and tenderize the chicken. Overnight is convenient for meal prep.
What oil is best?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut-free vegetable or canola oil.
How do I keep fried chicken crispy?
Drain it on a wire rack and avoid stacking hot pieces. Serve soon after frying for the best crust.
