KFC has revealed the secret to its crispy fried chicken (2024)

KFC is opening its door to show fans how to make its perfectly crispy fried chicken at home. For 3000 lucky customers in the UK, they’ll learn the steps that go into creating its famous burgers and on-the-bone pieces of fried chicken. The only thing Colonel Sanders won’t be sharing… his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.

Step 1 Prep, prep, prep

The first step is to get the right pieces of chicken for frying. KFC uses raw on-the-bone chicken thighs, drumsticks and wings, as well as rib and keel pieces in its buckets (although these are harder to come by in the supermarket). KFC fries up 2,000 pieces of chicken per restaurant every day but you’ll probably only need about four to six pieces per person.

Step 2 Mix your flour and spices

While KFC won’t be revealing its famous secret herb and spices blend (not even the staff know – it’s locked away in a secret vault in the US), you can use our not-so-secret blend. The spices are mixed into flour which coats the chicken and becomes the crispy batter.

Step 3 Batter up

KFC has a very specific way of coating its chicken. First, fill a large tray or bowl with the flour and spice mix, then toss the raw chicken through it.Next, scoop the flour underneath the chicken, then fold it over, so the mix really sticks to the chicken.

Step 4 Shake it off

Gently shake every piece of chicken to get rid of excess flour and spice mix. Next, tap two chicken pieces together, without letting the meat touch. To do this, knock your thumbs together while holding the chicken. If you’re frying drumsticks you’ll need to double coat them, then use KFC’s frying tip to make sure the skin is crispy: hold them at the base and twist the skin upwards to release any trapped air.

Step 5 Come on baby light by fry

If you’re a healthy eater, look away now. KFC deep fries its chicken for 15 minutes and then drains the oil off for another five minutes – 20 minutes in total. If you don’t have a deep fryer, heat up plenty of oil in a large saucepan and do it that way.

Craving KFC now? Try our version of KFC’s fried chicken.

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KFC has revealed the secret to its crispy fried chicken (2024)

FAQs

How does KFC get their chicken so crispy? ›

KFC deep fries its chicken for 15 minutes and then drains the oil off for another five minutes – 20 minutes in total. If you don't have a deep fryer, heat up plenty of oil in a large saucepan and do it that way.

How many KFC employees know the secret recipe? ›

The recipe is kept in a vault at our U.S. headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, and supposedly only two people at a time know or have access to it.

Does KFC have a secret formula? ›

The KFC Original Recipe is a secret mix of ingredients that fast food restaurant chain KFC uses to produce fried chicken.

What is the trick to getting crispy chicken? ›

Essential Tips for Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken
  1. Buy chicken pieces.
  2. Dry brine the chicken for juiciness.
  3. Make a strong spice mixture.
  4. Use egg whites, alcohol, and cornstarch for a crispy coating.
  5. Fry in a Dutch oven.
  6. Use two thermometers.
  7. Prevent overflow by using the Dutch oven.
  8. Set up a proper fry station.

What is the secret to keeping fried chicken crispy? ›

The best way to keep fried foods crispy? Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. If you're frying multiple batches, throw the whole setup into a low oven to keep everything warm as you keep frying and adding to the rack.

Is KFC secret menu online only? ›

The menu is only visible on the KFC app - and the food chain has altered the way you can access it. While it was reasonably straight-forward previously - customers simply had to wait a few seconds and then a cartoon would appear above Colonel Sanders - you will now have to seek out the menu.

How to get free chicken KFC? ›

DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS

Download the KFC App to access exclusive offers and the chance to win free chicken in the Rewards Arcade.

Who owns KFC? ›

Yum Brands Inc., is a restaurant company that owns quick-service chains Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, as well as fast-casual brand The Habit Burger Grill. It is headquartered in Louisville, Ky.

What does KFC call their employees? ›

KFC Team Member (Customer Service or Cook)

When you join the KFC Brand, you join our Family!

What is the KFC secret recipe slogan? ›

The secret recipe is regularly identified with the phrase "eleven herbs and spices," the amount and identification of which remain a trade secret.

How do I access the KFC secret menu in USA? ›

1. Open the KFC app and start your order, choosing a location for pickup or delivery. 2. Click on the menu icon (the chicken drumstick) at the bottom, then swipe down and hold for about 10 seconds.

What is KFC chicken coating made of? ›

Copycat KFC Original Recipe Chicken EXACTLY how the Colonel makes it 🔥 Secret Herb & Spice Mix: - 2.5 cups of flour - 2 teaspoons of Salt - 3 teaspoons of Paprika - 2 teaspoons of Dried Mustard - 2 teaspoons of Garlic Powder - 1.5 teaspoons of Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon of Dried Thyme - 1 teaspoon of Dried Basil - 1 ...

What is the recipe for Colonel Sanders fried chicken? ›

ingredients
  1. 2 packages dried Italian salad dressing mix.
  2. 3 tablespoons flour.
  3. 2 teaspoons salt.
  4. 1 dash black pepper.
  5. 14 cup lemon juice.
  6. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
  7. 2 12 - 3 lbs broiler-fryer chicken pieces.
  8. 2 cups carbonated soda water.

Does KFC still use pressure fryers? ›

KFC swears by high-temperature, industrial-strength pressure fryers for their extra-crispy skin. Pressure fryer is widely used in fast food industry. It is exclusively used by big corporations to fry their chicken fast.

How do you crisp up KFC? ›

Preheat the oven to 400°F, and place room-temperature leftovers on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. The wire rack helps hot air circulate to crisp up the underside of the chicken. If you don't have a rack, a foil-lined baking sheet will do.

Is KFC crispy chicken healthy? ›

Overall, most health experts and dietitians would not recommend KFC products as part of a healthy diet. Fried chicken, KFC's signature product, is high in calories, fat, and salt, and has been linked to many health risks, including weight gain andl diabetes.

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