Introduction
KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken has been a beloved fast-food staple for decades. Its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices, combined with a distinctive cooking method, has made it a favorite worldwide. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, various sources have attempted to replicate the iconic flavor.food.com+1dinnerthendessert.com+1Reddit+7Allrecipes+7Time+7
The Alleged 11 Herbs and Spices
In 2016, a Chicago Tribune article claimed to have uncovered the original recipe, reportedly found in a family scrapbook of Colonel Sanders’ nephew. The list included:zh.wikipedia.org+6Allrecipes+6Epicurious+6Reddit+1Epicurious+1
- 2/3 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon basil
- 1/3 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried mustard
- 4 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons white pepperEpicurious+8Reddit+8Mashed+8kitchmethat.com+17The Kitchn+17Wikipedia+17
These ingredients were to be mixed with 2 cups of white flour to create the breading mixture. Allrecipes+2Wikipedia+2Reddit+2
Preparation Method
- Brine the Chicken: Soak the chicken pieces in a brine made of 1/3 cup salt, 1 tablespoon MSG (such as Accent), and 8 cups of water for 3 hours. Top Secret Recipes
- Prepare the Breading: Combine the above-listed herbs and spices with 2 cups of white flour.Rock Recipes+1Time+1
- Dredge the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the breading mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 300°F (150°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Top Secret Recipes
Cooking Tips
- Pressure Frying: KFC uses a pressure fryer to cook their chicken, which helps achieve the signature crispy texture. While home cooks may not have access to a pressure fryer, using a deep fryer or a heavy pot with a lid can yield similar results.Wikipedia+2the350degreeoven.com+2Allrecipes+2
- Double Dredging: For extra crunch, consider dipping the chicken in the breading mixture twice before frying.Wikipedia
- Resting Time: Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Conclusion
While the exact KFC Original Recipe Chicken remains a closely guarded secret, this copycat recipe offers a delicious approximation. With the right blend of spices and proper cooking techniques, you can enjoy a homemade version of this iconic dish.
