Quick & Easy Homemade KFC-Style Chicken

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
  2. Add Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (you can marinate it for up to 4 hours for even more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and baking powder. Stir until all the spices are well distributed throughout the flour mixture.
  2. Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. This will be your egg wash to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Dredge the Chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure an even coating. For a thicker crust, dip the chicken back into the egg wash and then into the flour mixture again.
  2. Set Aside: Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray while you prepare the frying oil.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of breading into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary.
    • Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes on each side (depending on the size of the pieces), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
    • Drain: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve Hot: Serve your homemade KFC-style chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Tips for the Perfect KFC-Style Chicken:

  1. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces will yield the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the coating stays crispy.
  3. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady temperature (around 350°F) to avoid greasy chicken. If the temperature drops too low, the coating will absorb more oil and become soggy.
  4. Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to let the juices redistribute and keep it juicy inside.

Variations:

  • Spicy KFC-Style Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mix for an extra spicy kick.
  • Herbed Chicken: Add dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley to the flour mixture for added flavor.
  • Oven Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade KFC-Style Chicken brings the same deliciously crispy and juicy chicken you love, right into your kitchen. With its flavorful breading, juicy chicken, and crispy exterior, this recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves fried chicken. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it at a party, this homemade version will be just as satisfying as the original. Enjoy!

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