How to make KFC’s ‘original’ fried chicken

If you’re a fan of Kentucky Fried Chicken you’ve likely wondered how exactly the Colonel makes such crisped-to-perfection chicken.

Although KFC refuses to officially release their recipe — they want you coming back, after all — a few copycats have sprung up on the internet.

However one in particular supposedly comes straight from the Colonel’s nephew himself. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Joe Ledington presented a list from a scrapbook detailing the 11 herbs and spices so famously used (and protected) in KFC’s chicken.

KFC Denies Recipe Is Real

Although its authenticity has been debated, and KFC denies that the recipe is real, chicken lovers have been attempting to make fried chicken using the list Ledington provided.

It seems what makes the chicken special is using a lot of paprika, along with garlic salt, white pepper, and a number of other herbs.

Some people have tried it and loved it. However others don’t find the recipe to even be close, So far, though, it’s the closest match out there.

If you want to make your own KFC chicken at home using the recipe, here’s how to do it:

Breading Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2/3 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon thyme
• 1/2 tablespoon basil
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1/3 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried mustard
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoons white pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Add oil to a large frying pan, and heat it up.

2. Combine flour and spices in a large bowl.

3. In a separate large bowl, add some milk and egg. Then add the chicken into the liquid mixture, and then coat the chicken with the flour and spice mix.

4. Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes. Finally, let cool and serve.

Check out this video from Business Insider for a visual guide to making KFC Chicken. Even if this is isn’t the restaurant’s secret recipe, it sure sounds delicious.