Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. chicken (either bone-in or boneless)
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. dried basil
- 1 tbsp. dried sage
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
The first step in making KFC chicken is to brine the chicken. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during cooking. To brine the chicken, place it in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and cover it with buttermilk. Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
The next step is to prepare the coating for the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, oregano, basil, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken so that it adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Fill a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping it once or twice, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken has drained, it's ready to serve and enjoy! KFC chicken is typically served with a side of coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and gravy, but you can also enjoy it with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Tips for Making KFC Chicken:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough: If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will be greasy and will not cook properly. Use a candy thermometer to make sure the oil reaches 350°F before adding the chicken.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Frying too much chicken at once will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the chicken to be greasy. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Let the chicken rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes to allow any excess oil to drain off. This will help keep the chicken crispy.
- Experiment with the spices: The beauty of making KFC chicken at home is that you can adjust the spices to suit your tastes. Try adding more or less cayenne pepper or experimenting with different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend.
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