1. Marinate the Chicken:
a. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with 1 cup of buttermilk. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Coating:
a. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the coating mixture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
a. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
b. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
c. Dredge each chicken piece in the coating mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating.
4. Double Coating (Optional):
a. For an extra crispy layer, dip the coated chicken back into buttermilk and then into the coating mixture for a second time.
5. Fry the Chicken:
a. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
b. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
c. Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
d. Remove the fried chicken pieces and place them on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drain.
6. Bake for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
a. For an additional crispiness, place the fried chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an extra 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
a. Serve your Homemade KFC Chicken hot and crispy. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces, and revel in the classic taste of KFC fried chicken for two.
Conclusion:
This scaled-down version of the Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe allows you to enjoy the crispy and flavorful delight of KFC-style fried chicken in a smaller batch. Perfect for a cozy meal for two or a delightful dinner with a friend, these homemade loaves promise the classic taste of finger-lickin’ good fried chicken. Embrace the joy of creating this iconic dish in your own kitchen and savor the delicious results. Enjoy!