Craving that signature crunch and savory flavor of KFC chicken but want to make it at home? With this Homemade KFC Chicken recipe, you can recreate the iconic crispy, seasoned crust and juicy meat right in your kitchen.
Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or simply satisfying your fast-food cravings without leaving the house, this recipe is sure to impress!
Homemade KFC Chicken
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces legs, thighs, wings, or breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cayenne pepper optional for heat
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well-mixed and set aside.
- Make the Wet Batter: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Start by dredging each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture before coating it again in the flour mix. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy layer.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps the coating adhere better during frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, delicious chicken!
Why You’ll Love Homemade KFC Chicken
There’s something irresistible about KFC’s crispy, flavorful fried chicken, but making it at home takes that love to a whole new level.
Homemade KFC-style chicken gives you the same crunchy, golden perfection with the added benefits of freshness, customization, and a healthier approach. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making it at home.
1. The Perfect Crispy Coating
One of the biggest reasons people love KFC chicken is the signature crispy, crunchy coating.
By making it at home, you can master that perfect texture using a double-dredging method with seasoned flour and buttermilk.
This ensures each bite is coated in a flavorful, golden crust that rivals the real deal. Plus, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
2. The Secret Blend of Herbs and Spices
KFC’s “11 herbs and spices” is a well-known secret, but when making homemade KFC chicken, you get to recreate and even enhance that classic flavor.
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a touch of white pepper can bring that iconic taste to life.
Best of all, you can tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences, making it bolder or milder as desired.
3. Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
One of the biggest advantages of homemade KFC-style chicken is the ability to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
When you cook at home, you control everything—choosing organic or free-range chicken, fresh spices, and healthier frying oils.
Unlike fast food, where preservatives and additives may be used, homemade fried chicken is free from unnecessary chemicals.
4. Customization and Dietary Flexibility
Making KFC-style chicken at home allows for endless customization. Want a spicier kick? Add cayenne pepper. Prefer a lighter version? Bake or air-fry it instead of deep-frying.
You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or experiment with different coatings like panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
- For Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 2-4 hours before coating for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the coated chicken rest before frying to prevent the breading from falling off during cooking.
Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe Tips and Tricks
Recreating KFC’s iconic crispy, flavorful fried chicken at home is easier than you might think.
With the right ingredients, techniques, and a few expert tips, you can achieve that signature golden crunch and juicy tenderness.
Here’s everything you need to know for making the best homemade KFC-style chicken.
1. Choose the Right Chicken
For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like drumsticks, thighs, and wings. The bone helps retain moisture, while the skin crisps up beautifully. If using boneless chicken, adjust frying time accordingly to avoid drying it out.
2. The Secret to Juicy Chicken – Buttermilk Marinade
One of the keys to KFC-style chicken is marinating the chicken in buttermilk. Why is this important?
- Buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it incredibly juicy.
- It helps the flour coating stick better, resulting in a crispier crust.
Tip: Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Double Dredging for Maximum Crunch
For that signature extra-crispy coating, follow these steps:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Dredge it in seasoned flour, making sure to press the coating onto the chicken.
- Dip the chicken back into buttermilk briefly.
- Coat it again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a textured, craggy crust.
Tip: Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off while cooking.
4. Frying Like a Pro
- Use peanut oil or canola oil for frying, as they have high smoke points and don’t alter the flavor.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
- Cook dark meat pieces (thighs and drumsticks) for 12-15 minutes and white meat pieces (breasts and wings) for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. The Secret to Extra Crispiness
For a crunchier texture, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your flour mixture. This helps create a lighter, crispier coating.
6. Draining the Right Way
After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of using paper towels. This prevents steaming and keeps the coating crispy.
7. Keeping It Warm
If making a large batch, keep fried chicken warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) while you finish frying the rest. This keeps it hot and crispy without drying it out.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll get that irresistible KFC-style crispy fried chicken at home—juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Homemade KFC-style chicken brings the best of both worlds—delicious, crispy, and flavorful fried chicken made with fresh ingredients, customized to your liking, and healthier than the fast-food version.
Once you try making it yourself, you’ll never look back.
Whether for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just to satisfy your fried chicken cravings, this homemade version will keep you coming back for more!
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or tenders will work well and cook faster than bone-in pieces.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
