Dive into the world of homemade culinary delights with our Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe. This guide is meticulously crafted to bring the iconic taste of KFC right into your kitchen. With a focus on achieving that perfect blend of crispy exterior and juicy interior, this recipe is your ticket to creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that could easily give any fast-food outlet a run for its money.
Ingredients
- 10 pieces of chicken (preferably thighs and legs for that juicy tenderness, with skin on)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (for that perfect crispy coating)
- 5 tablespoons of cornstarch (the secret to a crunchier bite)
- 2 large eggs (to bind all the flavors together)
- 1 cup of buttermilk (for soaking to tenderize the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (to add a bit of kick to your batter)
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika (for that deep, smoky flavor)
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper (for a bit of heat)
- Oil for frying (choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil)
Marinade
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (for tanginess and depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices and flour is what gives the chicken its signature flavor and irresistible crust.
- Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. This mixture will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken, adding layers of flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and dredge again in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for that perfect crispy layer.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot, for about 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Resting: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This step ensures your chicken stays crispy and not soggy.
- Serving: Serve your homemade KFC-style chicken hot and crispy. For the experience, pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Chef’s Tips
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside is done; too cool, and the chicken absorbs too much oil, becoming greasy.
- Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying. Cooking in batches ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Conclusion
This Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of comfort food. By following these steps, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories around the dinner table. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe guarantees to leave your guests craving more.
