Homemade KFC Chicken
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, especially when it’s homemade and bursting with flavor. I tried this Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe for a family dinner, and the result was beyond satisfying. Everyone was impressed with the crispy golden coating and tender, juicy meat inside. If you’re craving that signature fast-food flavor but want to make it in your own kitchen, this recipe will deliver a crowd-pleasing experience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe
- Classic Crunch at Home: Achieve that iconic crispy texture without leaving your house.
- Rich, Flavorful Coating: The blend of seasoning, garlic, and mustard adds layers of flavor to every bite.
- Customizable: Control the salt, spice, and ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Get restaurant-quality fried chicken at a fraction of the cost.
- Fun to Make: Perfect for a family cooking activity or impressing guests at a gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 10 pieces of chicken (thighs and legs with skin)
- 2 cups of wheat flour
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chicken or meat seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Wash and pat the chicken pieces dry.
- Season thoroughly with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Pre-Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, partially submerge the chicken pieces in water.
- Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- This step ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked before frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, cornstarch, minced garlic, and chicken seasoning. Mix well.
- Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pat the cooked chicken pieces dry.
- Dip each piece first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture for a double coating.
- Refrigerate the coated chicken for a few minutes to allow the coating to set.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or stockpot, heat enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces over medium heat.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) but not smoking.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
- Fry 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Cook until golden brown on all sides, ensuring not to burn the coating. This should take 8-10 minutes per batch.
- Place fried chicken on a plate lined with absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 pieces
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
Macronutrients per serving (approximate):
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve
This homemade KFC chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and condiments. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Pairings:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Dipping Sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy barbecue sauce
- Healthy Options:
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Bread Options:
- Fluffy biscuits
- Garlic bread
Additional Tips
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: The double coating ensures a crispy and flavorful crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Use a Thermometer: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying and perfect results.
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Ensuring the chicken is dry helps the coating stick better and prevents oil splatter.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or tenders can be used. Adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.
2. Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely! Place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
3. Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, but evaporated milk adds richness and helps the coating stick better.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
6. Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crisp.
7. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Refrigerating the coated chicken before frying helps the coating adhere better.
8. What type of oil should I use?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
9. Can I add more spices to the coating?
Definitely! Experiment with paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
10. What can I do with leftover oil?
Strain and store it for future frying, or dispose of it properly by sealing it in a container and discarding it in the trash.
Conclusion
This Homemade KFC Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful fried chicken. The tender, juicy interior and perfectly seasoned crust rival anything you’d find at a restaurant. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Save this recipe, give it a try, and share your experience with friends and family. Thank you for stopping by, and happy frying!
Print
Homemade KFC Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bring the taste of your favorite KFC chicken to your kitchen with this crispy and flavorful homemade version! Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, this recipe is a must-try for fried chicken lovers. Serve it with your favorite sides for a family-friendly meal everyone will devour.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 10 pieces of chicken (thighs and legs with skin)
For the Flour Coating:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon chicken or meat seasoning
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the chicken pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Partially Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, add water to partially submerge the chicken. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes with the lid on. Remove and pat dry.
- Prepare the Coatings:
- In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, minced garlic, chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture.
- Place the coated chicken in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set the coating.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat enough oil over medium heat to fully submerge the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Fry 2–3 pieces of chicken at a time, ensuring the oil temperature stays consistent. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove and place on a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour and egg dipping process.
- Monitor the oil temperature to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg