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Here’s a homemade version of KFC-style fried chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit!
Homemade KFC-Style Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, breasts, or a mix)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, black pepper, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing it in to create a thick coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of flour into it; it should sizzle.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 12-15 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with a little salt while it’s hot.
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade KFC-style fried chicken hot with your favorite sides!
Tips:
- For Extra Crispiness: Double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture before frying.
- Cooking in Batches: If frying a large batch, keep the cooked chicken warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying the rest.
Enjoy your delicious homemade fried chicken!
