Copy Cat KFC Fried Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy golden coating just like KFC

• Tender, juicy chicken inside

• Easy-to-follow recipe with no hard-to-find ingredients

• Double-frying technique guarantees maximum crunch

• Customizable spice blend to match your taste

• Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or indulgent weekends

• Can be made with chicken thighs or breasts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 340g chicken (thighs recommended, or breasts if preferred)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Batter:

• 100g all-purpose flour

• 50g cornstarch

• 5g baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Wet Batter:

• 1 egg

• 30ml water

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and cornstarch. Let rest for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Divide into two parts, keeping a 2:1 ratio.

3. Make Wet Batter: Add the egg to the smaller flour portion, whisk, then add water to form a smooth batter.

4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge chicken in dry flour mixture, dip in wet batter, then coat again in dry flour. Shake off excess.

5. First Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3 minutes per side until light golden. Remove and set aside.

6. Second Fry: Return chicken to the oil and fry again for 3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

7. Serve: Rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings. Prep time is 20 minutes, marinating time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes. Total time: 50 minutes. Each serving has approximately 300–350 calories.

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or wings for a party snack

• Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the batter for more heat

• Swap water in the wet batter for sparkling water or buttermilk for extra crispiness

• Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend

• Try oven-baking or air frying for a lighter version

Storage/Reheating

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• In the freezer: Wrap each piece tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• To reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken drumsticks or wings?

Yes, drumsticks, wings, or any cut of chicken works with this method.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Double frying and draining on paper towels helps lock in crispiness.

Can I marinate the chicken longer than 15 minutes?

Yes, marinating for 2–4 hours enhances the flavor even more.

What oil should I use for frying?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I air fry this chicken?

Yes, spray with oil and air fry at 375°F until golden and cooked through, though it won’t be as crispy as deep-fried.

Do I need a thermometer for frying?

It helps keep the oil at 350°F—essential for even cooking and crispiness.

Why do we double fry the chicken?

The first fry cooks the chicken through, and the second fry locks in moisture and crisps the coating.

Can I make the batter spicier?

Yes, add cayenne, paprika, or chili powder for heat.

Is this recipe exactly like KFC?

It’s very close in flavor and texture but designed for home cooking with simple ingredients.

What sides go best with fried chicken?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, biscuits, or fries are classic pairings.

Conclusion

This Copy Cat KFC Fried Chicken recipe gives you all the flavor and crunch of the fast-food favorite, right at home. With a seasoned marinade, a well-balanced batter, and the double-fry method, you’ll have chicken that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite when those fried chicken cravings hit.

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