Description
Quick & Easy Homemade KFC-Style Chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed fried chicken made with a blend of everyday spices and a simple buttermilk marinade. Recreate the iconic fast-food favorite at home with this budget-friendly and delicious comfort food recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- In another bowl, mix flour with all spices (paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne if using).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on paper towels and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken: dredge, dip in buttermilk again, and dredge once more.
- You can bake at 400°F for 40–45 minutes if you prefer a lighter version.
- Perfect served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: KFC style chicken, fried chicken recipe, buttermilk chicken, crispy chicken, homemade fast food