KFC-Style Chicken (Print)

Crunchy, golden chicken with the hidden 11-spice mix that brings that famous Kentucky taste right to your kitchen.

# Ingredients:

→ Flour Mix

01 - 1/4 cup paprika
02 - 2 tablespoons garlic salt
03 - 1 tablespoon celery salt
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
06 - 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 tablespoon ground yellow mustard
09 - 2 teaspoons salt
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
11 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil

→ Chicken Prep

13 - 1 whole chicken, chopped into 8 sections
14 - 1 egg, whisked
15 - 1 cup buttermilk
16 - Neutral frying oil (peanut or canola)
17 - Optional MSG seasoning (such as Accent or Ajinomoto)

# Steps:

01 - Combine all the flour mix ingredients in a big bowl. Stir well and leave it aside.
02 - Pour buttermilk and whisked egg into another bowl. Stir them together, add the chicken, and ensure it's all coated. Cover, then let it sit for at least half an hour—or overnight if you keep it refrigerated.
03 - Turn your oven to 175°F (80°C). Put foil on a baking sheet, and place an oven-safe rack on top.
04 - Use a deep fryer or Dutch oven. Get the oil warmed to 350°F (175°C), with about 3 inches of oil inside. Lower your burner a little to make sure the temp stays steady.
05 - Take out a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting extra drip away. Coat it in the flour, pressing it firmly to cling. Shake off excess and repeat with all pieces.
06 - Gently lower some chicken into the hot oil (work in smaller groups). Fry for about 12 minutes, flipping once. You want it golden and crunchy.
07 - Place pieces that are already fried on the rack you prepared earlier and put it in the oven. This keeps things warm while the rest finishes frying.
08 - Make sure each piece is cooked to 165°F (75°C) at the center. For extra flavor, sprinkle optional MSG before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Don't crowd the fryer—this keeps your chicken crispy.
02 - Skip MSG if you'd rather; it'll still taste wonderful!
03 - Pair it with biscuits, slaw, or mashed potatoes for a classic meal.
04 - For extra crunch, dip the chicken back in buttermilk and flour before frying again.