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Homemade KFC-Style Chicken

Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold Southern spices, this Homemade KFC-Style Chicken is everything you love about the original—made fresh in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Pieces: 8 bone-in (legs, thighs, wings)
  • Buttermilk: 2 cups
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
  • Cornstarch: ½ cup
  • Salt: 2 teaspoons
  • Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon
  • Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (optional)
  • Eggs: 2 beaten
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix chicken and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Fill your skillet or deep fryer with 2–3 inches of oil and start heating. Place a cooling rack over a sheet pan for draining.
  4. Assemble the Dish: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all spices. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dip into flour mixture, then eggs, then back into the flour. Press well to coat.
  6. Finishing Touches: Fry 2–3 pieces at a time for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through. Rest on rack.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces or classic sides.

Notes

  • Marinate in buttermilk overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Double-dip for extra crunch.
  • Maintain oil at 350°F for even cooking.
  • Let chicken rest on a rack to stay crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade fried chicken, kfc-style chicken, crispy fried chicken, southern chicken, fried chicken recipe