KFC ORIGINAL SECRET CHICKEN RECIPE

KFC ORIGINAL SECRET CHICKEN RECIPE

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the exact recipe and specific proportions of the 11 herbs and spices used in KFC’s secret chicken recipe remain a closely guarded secret. The recipe, developed by Colonel Harland Sanders, is reportedly locked in a vault in Louisville, Kentucky.

However, through various taste tests and experiments, food enthusiasts and home cooks have proposed several interpretations of the recipe. One of the most famous interpretations comes from the Chicago Tribune, which published a recipe in 2016 that they believed closely mimicked KFC’s Original Recipe.

Here’s a version based on that interpretation:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried mustard
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 chicken, cut up, the breast pieces cut in half for more even frying

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour in a bowl with all the herbs and spices; set aside.
2. Mix the buttermilk and egg together in a separate bowl until combined.
3. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip the chicken pieces in the herb-spice-flour mixture to coat all sides, shaking off excess. Allow to sit on a rack over a baking sheet for 20 minutes to allow the breading to set.
5. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat frying oil (enough to fully submerge the chicken pieces) to 350°F (175°C).
6. Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
7. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces.

Remember, this is an interpretation and may not exactly replicate the taste of KFC’s Original Recipe, but it can offer a similar flavorful fried chicken experience at home.

Always ensure to handle raw chicken with care to avoid cross-contamination and ensure it’s cooked to the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C for chicken) to ensure food safety. Enjoy cooking!