Buzz
Have you ever craved the delicious taste of KFC fried chicken, but didn't know how to make it at home? This 'copycat' KFC recipe may include a few unusual ingredients, but it will surely satisfy your family with a dish that is usually only found in restaurants—now made right in your kitchen. Forget about mashed potatoes, and keep reading for the steps below!
Ingredients
- Several pieces of chicken
- 1-1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 12g baking powder
- 1 packet of Good Seasons Italian dry seasoning mix (if you can't find this, check the 'Tips' section for how to make it at home)
- 2 or 3 eggs
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15g) black pepper
- Vegetable oil, lard, or peanut oil to fill the pan (you need to pour enough oil to reach a height of 1.5-2.5cm in the pan)
- 1 packet of tomato soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Whisk the wet ingredients together. In a medium-sized bowl, beat 2 or 3 eggs thoroughly – these will be used to dip the chicken pieces into. Add 2/3 cup (160ml) of milk, stir well, and set it aside for later.
Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the tomato soup mix, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and flour, blending them evenly.
Coat the chicken with the flour mixture. Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the wet ingredients. Then, roll the chicken through the flour mixture to coat it thoroughly. Place the coated chicken aside for later.
Repeat the process for the remaining chicken. Continue to coat each piece of chicken with the flour mixture that you've prepared earlier.
Fry it up! Heat oil in a large pan until it starts to bubble but isn't smoking—aim for a temperature of around 175°C. Using tongs, carefully place the chicken pieces skin-side down into the pan, and fry them on medium heat. Cook the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, occasionally turning and flipping the pieces. Add chili if you want a spicy kick.
- Be sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, or it will soak up too much oil.
Blot the excess oil off the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and use a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth (such as one with good absorption) to blot the oil.
Final touch. Serve the chicken alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, cabbage mixed with carrots, whole kernel corn, homemade French fries, and a soft drink for a true KFC meal experience.
Tip
- Preparing chicken for a larger group? Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil hot.
- If the chicken is turning darker than expected, reduce the heat.
- Don’t forget to check the chicken's temperature with a digital food thermometer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C.
- A cast-iron skillet is the best choice as it evenly distributes heat and doesn’t cool down quickly.
- Good Seasons Italian seasoning might not be available everywhere, so you may have to make your own. As an alternative, mix 1 tablespoon each of garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, and dried parsley. Add 2 tablespoons each of dried oregano and salt. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and celery salt.
Warning
- Always exercise caution when cooking with hot oil.
Essential items you'll need
- Bowl
- Mixing utensils
- Large cast-iron skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towels or highly absorbent cloths
- Plates
