Kentucky Fried Chicken
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the crispy, juicy goodness of homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken. This classic recipe brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen, ensuring you can enjoy this beloved dish any day of the week. With the right spices and techniques, you can create the ultimate fried chicken that’s just as satisfying as the original. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish from scratch!
Why It’s My Go-To
Kentucky Fried Chicken has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories associated with it—family gatherings, picnics, and special dinners. This recipe is my go-to because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, allowing anyone to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home. Plus, the satisfaction of frying chicken in your own kitchen is unmatched.
What Goes In
To make the perfect Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut up into 8 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup ground paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor that make this dish truly special.
Cook’s Kit
Before you start cooking, gather the following tools to make your experience seamless:
- Large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
- Shallow dish for the flour mixture
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying
- Cooking thermometer to monitor oil temperature
- Wire rack for cooling the fried chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements
Having the right tools at your fingertips will streamline the cooking process and ensure the best results.
Kentucky Fried Chicken — Do This Next
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing the cut-up chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the beaten egg. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This marinating process will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, ground white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ginger, and MSG (if using). Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken and let any excess buttermilk drip off before dredging it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then set it aside on a wire rack. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust we all love.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature; if the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn before cooking through, and if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Repeat and Serve
Continue frying the remaining chicken in batches. Once all the pieces are done, let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy, homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!
Make It Fit Your Plan
If you’re looking to customize this recipe or fit it into different dietary preferences, consider the following options:
- Swap out buttermilk for a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk mixed with a little vinegar for a similar tang.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Experiment with different spices to create your signature flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, try baking the chicken instead of frying—coat it in the flour mixture and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy.
These variations can help you enjoy Kentucky Fried Chicken in a way that suits your needs while maintaining the essence of this beloved dish.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making Kentucky Fried Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not letting the chicken marinate long enough can result in less flavorful meat.
- Overcrowding the pot while frying can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
- Failing to monitor oil temperature can cause the chicken to either burn or become greasy.
- Skipping the wire rack after frying can trap steam, making the chicken lose its crispiness.
Being aware of these gotchas can help you achieve the best results every time.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to save time on busy days? Here are some tips for making Kentucky Fried Chicken ahead of time:
- Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- Prepare the flour mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container.
- If you have leftover fried chicken, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven to restore crispiness.
Planning ahead can make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts! Just adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster than dark meat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
If your chicken isn’t crispy, it may not have been coated well in the flour mixture, or the oil temperature may have been too low. Ensure the oil is hot enough and consider double-dipping the chicken for extra crunch.
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes! Allow the fried chicken to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore its crunchiness.
What sides pair well with Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and corn on the cob are perfect companions for Kentucky Fried Chicken. You can also serve it with a refreshing salad for a lighter option.
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The Last Word
Homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With a few simple ingredients and some love in the kitchen, you can create a meal that brings people together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and make some crispy, flavorful Kentucky Fried Chicken that your family will rave about!
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the cut-up chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the beaten egg. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, ground white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ginger, and MSG (if using). Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken and let any excess buttermilk drip off before dredging it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated, then set it aside on a wire rack.
- In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Continue frying the remaining chicken in batches. Once all the pieces are done, let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature for the crispiest chicken.
- Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
