Hicham Welcome to our secret recipe section! Today, we’re sharing a homemade version of the famous KFC Original Chicken. This recipe includes a blend of herbs and spices that mimic the iconic flavor of KFC’s chicken. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 beaten eggs
- 4 tablespoons oil
For the Coating
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or chicken stock powder)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Cut the whole chicken into pieces, ensuring you have drumsticks, thighs, breasts, and wings.
- Beat the Eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add 4 tablespoons of oil to the beaten eggs and mix well.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Spices: In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, oregano, tarragon, parsley, thyme, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Coat with Egg Mixture: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dredge in Flour Mixture: Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a large skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for crispy chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Rest the Coated Chicken: For a crunchier coating, let the coated chicken pieces rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a bit more garlic powder or onion powder for a more robust flavor.
Variations
Spicy Fried Chicken
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight before coating. This will tenderize the chicken and add a tangy flavor.
Oven-Fried Chicken
For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the frying time as boneless pieces may cook faster.
How do I store leftover fried chicken?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze the coated chicken before frying?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and freeze it on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Fry the frozen chicken directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are good choices for frying chicken due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the egg mixture and flour mixture. Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the coating adhere better.
This homemade version of KFC Original Chicken is sure to satisfy your craving for that iconic fried chicken flavor. With a crispy coating and juicy meat, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious chicken with your family and friends!
