If you’re looking for a KFC-style Original Recipe chicken, the real formula from KFC is a closely guarded trade secret. But here’s a very close copycat version that gets you that crispy, savory, slightly peppery flavor at home.
🍗 “Original Recipe” Style Fried Chicken (Copycat)
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken:
- 8 pieces bone-in chicken (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, wings)
Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Marinate:
Whisk buttermilk and egg. Add chicken and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best). - Mix coating:
Combine all seasoned flour ingredients thoroughly. - Dredge:
Remove chicken from marinade and coat heavily in flour mixture. Press flour into the chicken for a craggy crust. Let sit 10–15 minutes before frying. - Fry:
Heat oil to 325°F (163°C).
Fry chicken 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F. - Rest:
Let drain on a rack (not paper towels) to stay crispy.
🔥 Pro Tips for That “KFC” Flavor
- White pepper is key — don’t skip it.
- Use a thermometer for steady oil temperature.
- For extra crispiness, double-dredge (dip back into buttermilk, then flour again).
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- 🍗 Oven-baked “Original” style
- 🍗 Air fryer version
- 🍗 Extra Crispy style
- 🍗 Pressure-fryer method (closest texture)
