Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Homemade KFC Chicken
- The Secret to That Perfect Crunch
- Choosing the Right Chicken for the Recipe
- Essential Ingredients for the Best Homemade KFC Chicken
- How to Achieve That Signature Crispy Coating
- Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with This Dish?
- Key Takeaways
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This homemade KFC chicken recipe captures the famous crispy and juicy texture, using a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or just satisfying your fried chicken cravings. With simple pantry staples, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade KFC Chicken
If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy, and juicy fried chicken, this homemade KFC chicken recipe will be your new favorite! With the right seasoning mix and cooking technique, you can recreate that signature fast-food flavor in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients and no artificial additives.

The Secret to That Perfect Crunch
The key to achieving that ultra-crispy coating lies in a well-balanced blend of flour and seasonings, combined with the double-dipping technique. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring a juicy interior while the outer layer turns into golden, crispy perfection. For an extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.

Choosing the Right Chicken for the Recipe
For the best homemade KFC chicken, opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces like drumsticks and thighs. These cuts retain moisture better during frying, ensuring a juicy bite every time. However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work just as well, though they may require slightly less cooking time.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Homemade KFC Chicken
The magic of this crispy fried chicken lies in the seasoning mix. A combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a blend of herbs and spices brings out the rich flavor reminiscent of your favorite fast-food chicken. Using buttermilk for marination is crucial—it enhances the taste and texture, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.
How to Achieve That Signature Crispy Coating
The secret to the homemade KFC chicken texture is in the double-coating method. First, dredge the buttermilk-soaked chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk before coating it again. This creates multiple layers of crispiness, giving you that golden, crunchy crust you crave. Be sure to fry at the right temperature (350°F) to lock in the flavor without absorbing excess oil.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with This Dish?
This homemade KFC chicken pairs wonderfully with classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery biscuits. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crispy fries and a refreshing dipping sauce like honey mustard or spicy mayo. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Notes & Tips
- For the crispiest texture, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy chicken.
- Leftovers? Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep the crispiness intact.
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
For more delicious recipes, visit Clara Cooks for the best homemade meals!


Homemade KFC Chicken – Crispy & Juicy Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for tenderness.
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, mustard, white pepper, cayenne, ginger, celery salt, and baking powder.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry in batches for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on a wire rack over a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot and enjoy!
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