KFC Original Secret Chicken Recipe: The Legend, the Mystery, and How to Recreate It

KFC’s Original Secret Chicken Recipe has captivated food enthusiasts around the world for decades. Known for its crispy texture, savory flavor, and the mystique surrounding its creation, this recipe remains one of the most guarded culinary secrets. But what makes it so irresistible? In this article, we will uncover the history behind this iconic recipe, the 11 herbs and spices that are said to make it unique, and how you can attempt to recreate it in your own kitchen.

The Origins of KFC’s Secret Recipe

The story of KFC’s Original Secret Chicken Recipe begins with the legendary Colonel Harland Sanders. His journey to creating the famous fried chicken started at a small roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky. Sanders’ fried chicken quickly became a local sensation, with its distinct flavor and texture setting it apart from the competition. By the 1950s, Sanders had perfected a special seasoning blend, and his fried chicken recipe began to catch the attention of people far beyond Kentucky.

What set Sanders’ chicken apart was his ability to create a mouthwatering recipe that could be mass-produced without losing its signature flavor. The 11 herbs and spices used in his recipe remain a closely guarded secret to this day. You can learn more about the myths and facts surrounding Sanders’ creation of the secret recipe in this Twisted Food article.

The Secret Blend: The 11 Herbs and Spices

The 11 herbs and spices that make up KFC’s Original Recipe are said to be the key to its distinct flavor. While many have speculated about what those ingredients are, no one has definitively cracked the code. However, there are a few seasonings that are commonly believed to make up the famous blend:

• Paprika

• Thyme

• Basil

• Oregano

• Celery Salt

• Black Pepper

• Dried Mustard

• Salt

• Garlic Salt

• Ground Ginger

• White Pepper

Each of these seasonings contributes to the unique flavor profile of KFC’s chicken. The blend’s complexity is enhanced by the cooking method, which involves pressure frying the chicken to create that signature crispy coating.

To help you recreate this iconic fried chicken at home, check out The Spruce Eats’ copycat KFC recipe, which provides a step-by-step guide to making a version of KFC’s chicken at home.

The Art of Secrecy: Guarding the Recipe

KFC has kept its Original Secret Chicken Recipe a closely guarded secret for over 70 years. The company employs various measures to protect the recipe, including separating the ingredients into different locations and keeping the full list in a secure vault. Even executives and chefs only know a portion of the secret recipe. This level of secrecy has fueled speculation and intrigue among fans and competitors alike.

In addition to the secret blend of herbs and spices, the process of preparing the chicken is also highly specialized. KFC uses pressure fryers to ensure that the chicken remains juicy on the inside while developing a crisp, golden crust on the outside. This technique is part of what makes the chicken so unique.

Why Is KFC’s Chicken So Crispy?

One of the defining characteristics of KFC’s fried chicken is its crispy, golden-brown coating. The secret to this texture lies in the pressure frying technique. Unlike traditional frying methods, pressure frying involves cooking the chicken in a pressurized vessel, which traps moisture and enhances the crispiness. This technique allows the chicken to stay tender inside while developing a perfect crispy crust.

While using a pressure fryer is key to replicating KFC’s signature texture, you can still make delicious fried chicken at home using alternative methods like deep frying. However, without the pressure frying technique, you may find it harder to achieve the exact texture that makes KFC so famous.

How to Recreate KFC’s Fried Chicken at Home

Now that we’ve covered the history and the secrets behind KFC’s fried chicken, it’s time to try making it yourself! Here’s a simple guide to help you replicate KFC’s crispy and flavorful chicken at home.

Ingredients:

• 10 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon of paprika

• 1 tablespoon of onion powder

• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1 teaspoon of white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix the Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the flour with all the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.). This will be the coating that gives your chicken its distinctive flavor.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken properly.

3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you have a pressure fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

5. Drain and Serve: Once your chicken is perfectly fried, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, crispy fried chicken!

This simple recipe is an excellent starting point for recreating KFC’s famous chicken. While it might take some practice to get the texture and flavor just right, the result will be a delicious, homemade version of the iconic dish.

FAQs About KFC’s Secret Recipe

1. What are the 11 herbs and spices in KFC’s recipe?

While the exact blend remains a mystery, common guesses include paprika, thyme, oregano, basil, and celery salt, among others.

2. Is MSG used in KFC’s chicken?

Yes, KFC is believed to use monosodium glutamate (MSG) as part of the seasoning to enhance the umami flavor.

3. Can I recreate KFC’s chicken without a pressure fryer?

Yes, although a pressure fryer gives the chicken its signature texture, you can still make crispy fried chicken with a regular deep fryer or on the stovetop.

4. Why is KFC’s recipe kept secret?

The secrecy surrounding the recipe helps maintain the mystique of KFC and plays a major role in its marketing strategy, ensuring that customers remain fascinated by the uniqueness of the recipe.

5. What makes KFC’s chicken so crispy and flavorful?

The combination of a special seasoning blend, pressure frying, and the use of high-quality ingredients creates the signature crispy and flavorful chicken KFC is known for.