As Close to KFC as I Can Get It Fried Chicken Recipes
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food, and for many people, there's nothing quite like the delicious crunch and savory flavor of KFC's fried chicken. While getting an exact replica of KFC's secret recipe may be impossible, there are many fried chicken recipes out there that come pretty darn close. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get as close to KFC as you can with your fried chicken:
Spices and seasoning
One of the key components of KFC's fried chicken is the combination of spices and seasoning used to flavor the breading. To get as close to KFC as you can, try using a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Mix these spices into your flour or cornstarch before dipping your chicken in the mixture.
Marinating
Another way to add flavor to your fried chicken is to marinate the chicken before breading and frying it. KFC reportedly marinates its chicken in a blend of seasoning and spices for several hours before cooking. You can try marinating your chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, or simply seasoning it well and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Breading
To get that crispy, crunchy texture that KFC is known for, you'll need to bread your chicken. KFC uses a special blend of flour and seasonings for its breading, which is reportedly a closely guarded secret. However, many copycat recipes use a similar mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices. You can also try adding some baking powder to the breading mixture, which will create even more air pockets and result in an extra crispy texture.
Frying
Frying your chicken in oil is the final step in creating that perfect fried chicken. KFC reportedly uses a pressure fryer to cook its chicken, which results in a quick and evenly cooked product. If you don't have a pressure fryer, you can still achieve great results by heating your oil to the right temperature and cooking your chicken in small batches. Make sure to let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after frying to allow any excess oil to drip off.
Sides and sauces
Of course, fried chicken is even better with some delicious sides and sauces. KFC offers a wide variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and biscuits. You can try making your own versions of these sides at home, or simply serve your fried chicken with some of your favorite sides. As for sauces, KFC's signature gravy and honey mustard are popular choices. You can also try making your own dipping sauces using ingredients like barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.
In conclusion, while we may never know exactly what goes into KFC's secret recipe, there are many ways to get as close to that classic KFC flavor as possible with your own homemade fried chicken. By using a blend of spices and seasoning, marinating your chicken, creating a crispy breading mixture, frying your chicken properly, and serving it with delicious sides and sauces, you can create a fried chicken meal that is sure to satisfy any craving.
KFC fried chicken is one of the most popular fast food items across the world. The crispy and succulent chicken is something that almost everyone loves. However, not everyone can always get their hands on KFC fried chicken, especially when they live far from a KFC outlet. Therefore, many people try to recreate KFC fried chicken at home, but often fail to achieve the same taste and texture. In this article, we will share some valuable tips on how to make fried chicken that is as close to KFC as possible.
Choosing the right chicken
The first and foremost step in making perfect fried chicken is choosing the right chicken. Always choose fresh and good quality chicken that is free from any bruises or cuts. Also, make sure that the chicken is not too big or too small. The ideal size is to choose chicken pieces that are roughly the size of your palm.
Brining the chicken
Brining the chicken is an important step when it comes to getting the perfect KFC fried chicken. Brining the chicken not only makes it juicier but also helps in getting the seasoning inside the meat. The brining mixture usually contains salt, sugar, and water. Some recipes also include spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Using the right flour
The flour used in coating the chicken is what gives the chicken its crispy exterior. Use all-purpose flour or a mix of all-purpose flour and cornmeal in a 50:50 ratio. Make sure you sift the flour at least twice to remove any lumps and to aerate it. This will help in creating a crispy and evenly coated chicken.
Adding seasoning to the flour
The flour used for coating the chicken can be seasoned with a mix of spices that are commonly used in KFC fried chicken. These spices include salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix the spices in the flour and taste the seasoning to adjust it according to your preference.
Double dredging
Another tip to achieve the perfect KFC fried chicken is to double dredge the chicken. After dipping the chicken in egg wash, coat it with seasoned flour and shake off any excess. Dip the chicken back in the egg wash and then coat it again in the seasoned flour. This double dredging will result in a thicker and crunchier coating.
Frying the chicken
The temperature of the oil used for frying is crucial when it comes to getting crispy and juicy chicken. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350-375 F. Do not overcrowd the pan with too many chicken pieces, or it will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Resting the chicken
After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack. This will allow the excess oil to drain off, and the coating to crisp up further. Resting the chicken will also ensure that the meat is evenly cooked, and the juices have time to redistribute inside the chicken.
Conclusion
Making fried chicken that is as close to KFC as possible requires some careful steps and attention to detail. It may take a few tries to get it right, but by following these tips, you should be able to make juicy, crispy, and flavorful fried chicken that is just like KFC. However, do not forget to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find a combination that you love. Happy cooking!
