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 [Skip to content](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#main-content) [Dinner, then Dessert](https://dinnerthendessert.com/) - Trending Now [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-pot-roast/) [Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast](https://dinnerthendessert.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-pot-roast/) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cabbage-soup/) [Cabbage Soup](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cabbage-soup/) - [Home](https://dinnerthendessert.com/) - [Recipe Index](https://dinnerthendessert.com/recipe-index/) Recipe Index - [Dinner](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/) - [Slow Cooker](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/slow-cooker/) - [Appetizers](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/appetizers/) - [Asian Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/asian-food/) - [Dessert](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dessert/) - [Breakfast](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/breakfast-brunch/) - [Copycat Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/copycat/) - [Holiday Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/holidays/) - [Cooking Methods](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cooking-methods/) Trending Now [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-pot-roast/) [Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast](https://dinnerthendessert.com/ultimate-slow-cooker-pot-roast/) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cabbage-soup/) [Cabbage Soup](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cabbage-soup/) [Browse All](https://dinnerthendessert.com/recipe-index/) [Recipe Collections](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/recipe-collections/) - [Cooking Methods](https://dinnerthendessert.com/cooking-methods) - [Instant Pot](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/instant-pot/) - [Slow Cooker](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/slow-cooker/) - [Casserole](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/breakfast-brunch/breakfast-casseroles/) - [Sheet Pan](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/sheet-pan/) - [Air Fryer](https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=air+fryer) - [Oven Baked](https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=oven) - [Grilled](https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=grilled) - [Fried](https://dinnerthendessert.com/?s=fried) - [Recipe Collections](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/recipe-collections/) - [Videos](https://dinnerthendessert.com/videos/) - [About](https://dinnerthendessert.com/about/) - [About Sabrina Snyder](https://sabrinasnyder.com/) - [Dinner, then Dessert Cookbook](https://dinnerthendessert.com/dinner-then-dessert-cookbook/) - [Sabrina’s Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/author/v34gwrgr/) - [Shop](https://shop.dinnerthendessert.com/) - [Favorites](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#slick-search-favorites) - [Account](https://dinnerthendessert.com/account)  Check out the [Dinner then Dessert Cookbook](https://amzn.to/3ljtgRW) Now [Home](https://dinnerthendessert.com/) » [Recipe Index](https://dinnerthendessert.com/recipe-index/) » [Meat, Poultry, & Seafood](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/protein/) » [Chicken Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/protein/chicken/) # KFC Original Recipe Chicken (Copycat) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/author/sabrinasnyder/)by [Sabrina Snyder](https://dinnerthendessert.com/author/sabrinasnyder/) **Last Update:** October 30, 2025 [385 Comments](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comments) 4\.54 from 52 votes [5](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/) servings Prep Time 1 hour hour Cook Time 45 minutes minutes Total Time 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes [Jump to Recipe](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#wprm-recipe-container-10509) Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark This post may contain affiliate links. Read my [disclosure policy](https://dinnerthendessert.com/privacy-and-copyright//).  *KFC Original Recipe Chicken uncovered by a food reporter and Colonel Sander’s nephew. A perfect copycat with all 11 herbs and spices\!* If you’re a KFC fan, then you’re in for a treat with this remarkable **[Copycat Recipe](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/copycat/)**. Serve with **[KFC Mac and Cheese](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mac-and-cheese-copycat/)** and **[KFC Coleslaw](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-coleslaw-copycat/)** for your favorite fast food meal\!        - 1 - 2 - 3 ## Sabrina’s KFC Orginal Chicken (Copycat) KFC Original Recipe Chicken has been a huge part of my childhood. As a kid, my aunt would walk me home from school, and we would stop at the KFC that was a half a block from my school. We’d share chicken and a strawberry parfait they used to sell. Unlike the [**Pioneer Chicken**](https://dinnerthendessert.com/pioneer-fried-chicken/) that my mom used to buy, this food memory is one I can still enjoy anytime I want. ## Recipe Card Pin this recipe now to remember it later [Pin Recipe](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/&media=https://dinnerthendessert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KFC-Original-Recipe-Chicken-Copycat-4x3-1.jpg&description=KFC%20Original%20Recipe%20Chicken%20uncovered%20by%20a%20food%20reporter%20and%20Colonel%20Sander%26%23039%3Bs%20nephew.%20A%20perfect%20copycat%20with%20all%2011%20herbs%20and%20spices%21 "Share on Pinterest")   [Save](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/)[Saved\!](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/) ## KFC Original Recipe Chicken Recipe KFC Original Recipe Chicken uncovered by a food reporter and Colonel Sander's nephew. A perfect copycat with all 11 herbs and spices\! Yield [5](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/) servings Prep Time 1 hour hour Cook Time 45 minutes minutes Total Time 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes Course Dinner Cuisine American Author Sabrina Snyder  [Save](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/)[Saved\!](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/)[Print](https://dinnerthendessert.com/wprm_print/kfc-original-recipe-chicken-recipe)[Rate](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comments) ### Ingredients US Customary Metric - ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour - ▢ 2/3 tablespoon salt - ▢ 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves - ▢ 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves - ▢ 1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves - ▢ 1 tablespoon celery salt - ▢ 1 tablespoon ground black pepper - ▢ 1 tablespoon dried mustard - ▢ 3 tablespoons paprika , (original recipe calls for 4 tablespoons) - ▢ 2 tablespoons garlic salt - ▢ 1 tablespoon ground ginger - ▢ 3 tablespoons ground white pepper - ▢ 2 teaspoons Accent Seasoning , optional (I left this out) - ▢ 1 cup buttermilk - ▢ 1 large egg - ▢ 1 chicken , cut into 10 pieces (2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs and 2 breasts each cut in half to make 4 breast pieces) - ▢ vegetable oil for frying ### Instructions - Add the spices to a small food processor until they’re all uniform in size and the thyme, basil and oregano aren’t larger in size anymore. - Add the flour in a bowl with all the herbs and spices and mix with a whisk. - In a second larger bowl add the buttermilk and egg together and whisk until combined. - Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture for [20-30 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Remove chicken from the buttermilk soak and let any excess buttermilk drip off. - Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture on all sides, then shake off the excess coating. - Let it rest on a cookie sheet for [20-30 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Add oil to a deep fryer or a large pot that is at least 5 inches high so that the chicken can be fully submerged. - Heat the oil to 350 degrees and fry in small batches for [15-18 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Remove the chicken from the oil and add to a drying rack on top of a clean cookie sheet. - If you add it to a paper towel or newspaper the bottom of the chicken will steam from the heat and become soft. ### Notes So here it is, in all its glory. I did make a couple of adjustments in my side by side comparison during recipe testing. More details of how/why available in the post above this recipe card. I ditched the MSG. I reduced the paprika by 1 tablespoon. I pulverized the thyme, basil and oregano in my small food processor. I added more oil Thanks so much to the awesome folks at the [Chicago Tribune](http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/recipes/ct-kfc-recipe-test-20160818-story.html) for this KFC Original Recipe Chicken “copycat.” ### Nutrition Calories: 686kcal \| Carbohydrates: 49g \| Protein: 43g \| Fat: 36g \| Saturated Fat: 6g \| Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 15g \| Trans Fat: 0\.1g \| Cholesterol: 153mg \| Sodium: 5601mg \| Potassium: 294mg \| Fiber: 5g \| Sugar: 3g \| Vitamin A: 2266IU \| Vitamin C: 2mg \| Calcium: 127mg \| Iron: 5mg  ### Want to save this recipe? Create a free account to easily save your favorite recipes Email address Sign Up Now ## Table of contents - [Sabrina’s KFC Orginal Chicken (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-sabrina-s-kfc-orginal-chicken-copycat) - [Recipe Card](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-recipe-card) - [About this Recipe](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-about-this-recipe) - [Chef’s Note: Authentic KFC flavor](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-chef-s-note-authentic-kfc-flavor) - [Kitchen Tools and Ingredients](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-kitchen-tools-and-ingredients) - [Related Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-related-recipes) [Back to Table of Contents](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#yoast-dtd-toc) ## About this Recipe Why make a copycat recipe of it if you have one a mile down the road? Well, A: Copycat recipes are a ton of fun and B: Way, way, way, way higher quality. Have you been to a KFC in the last decade? I’ve only been a few times, but was disappointed each time because the chicken pieces have shrunken… a lot. Making a copycat recipe also allows you to adjust and omit the ingredients according to your dietary needes. Plus, you can try the copycat chicken with delicious pairings, like serving **[Chicken and Waffles](https://dinnerthendessert.com/chicken-and-waffles/)**. ## Chef’s Note: Authentic KFC flavor For years people tried to decode KFC’s famous 11 herbs and spices to make the signature fried chicken. Everyone has theories, and according to KFC no one has EVER been right. So I have sort of watched the copycat rounds develop from a distance. Then something pretty awesome happened. A food reporter for the Chicago Tribune visited the nephew of good old Colonel Sanders himself. He has memories of this recipe that he used to make by the bucket. And lo and behold he has a copy of the recipe in an old scrapbook. So, of course, the reporter snaps a picture and proceeds to bring it back to Chicago for some serious taste testing. Now, as a huge KFC Original Recipe Chicken fan, I’m interested. They recipe test and with the single addition of MSG find that they’ve recreated that distinct amazing flavor. So here it is, in all its glory. I did make a couple of adjustments in my side by side comparison during recipe testing. ## Kitchen Tools and Ingredients - **Deep Fryer:** Easy for keeping the temperature on point and kind of fun to use\! - **Ac’cent Seasoning:** The x factor, this is MSG, so use at your discretion. - **Pigtail Flipper:** I LOVE this tool for frying. I can drop and pick up pieces without removing any breading at all, thanks to this excellent tool. ## Related Recipes ## More Delicious KFC Recipes (Copycat) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mashed-potatoes-copycat-recipe/) [Sides](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/sides/) ### [KFC Mashed Potatoes (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mashed-potatoes-copycat-recipe/) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-coleslaw-copycat/) [Vegetarian](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/vegetarian/) ### [KFC Coleslaw (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-coleslaw-copycat/) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-potato-wedges/) [Copycat Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/copycat/) ### [KFC Potato Wedges (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-potato-wedges/) [](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mac-and-cheese-copycat/) [Sides](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/sides/) ### [KFC Mac and Cheese (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mac-and-cheese-copycat/)  Photos used in previous versions of the post      #### About the Author: Sabrina Snyder Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon. Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert. She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins. She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef. As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day. Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year. As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference. Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California. [See more posts by Sabrina](https://dinnerthendessert.com/author/sabrinasnyder/)  ### Like This Recipe? Share This Recipe [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/&media=https://dinnerthendessert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KFC-Original-Recipe-Chicken-Copycat-4x3-1.jpg&description=KFC%20Original%20Recipe%20Chicken%20uncovered%20by%20a%20food%20reporter%20and%20Colonel%20Sander%26%23039%3Bs%20nephew.%20A%20perfect%20copycat%20with%20all%2011%20herbs%20and%20spices%21 "Share on Pinterest") [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=share_button "Share on Facebook") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/&text=KFC%20Original%20Recipe%20Chicken%20%28Copycat%29 "Share on Twitter") [Email](mailto:?subject=Your%20friend%20has%20shared%20an%20article%20with%20you.&body=KFC%20Original%20Recipe%20Chicken%20%28Copycat%29%0D%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fdinnerthendessert.com%2Fkfc-original-recipe-chicken%2F%0D%0A "Share via Email") Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. Read my [disclosure and copyright policy](https://www.dinnerthendessert.com/privacy-and-copyright/). This post may contain affiliate links. ### Categories - [Chicken Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/protein/chicken/) - [Copycat Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/copycat/) - [Main Course](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/dinner/main/) - [Most Popular](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/most-popular/) ### Leave a comment & rating [Cancel reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#respond) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [Learn how your comment data is processed.](https://akismet.com/privacy/) ### Comments 1. **Sean** says: [March 23, 2026 at 1:08 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-413377) There’s a much easier way and it’s much like the same way they do this in the actual KFC restaurant. I’ve tried many different ways and have studied the recipe and process for years. I finally have it right. The quickest way I can tell you is all you need is 1 bag of shake & bake, white powder, celery salt, dry mustard and thyme are your main flavors to add. Set raw chicken in a ziplock bag of olive oil. Poor your seasoning mixture in the bag. Let sit over night 24 hrs and save some of the dry seasoning for the frying later. Buy yourself some Kentucky Kernel seasoned flour adding the same seasonings you’ve saved above. Set up your flour pan and a water pan. Dredge the chicken in the flour and season mixture using a stainless steel fine mesh strainer. Do not touch the chicken to avoid messy hands. Use the strainer and dip chicken in the water. Return back to dredging in flour. sift all remaining flour and place on a pan for your pressure air fryer. Original recipe chicken isn’t deep fried. It’s cooked in the air fryer for about 20 mins. If you prefer crispy chicken style then you’d use the deep fryer. I love it this way, it’s very fast, cost effective, and my entire family agrees it’s as if we ordered it from KFC. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-413377) 1. **Dinner, then Dessert Team** says: [March 23, 2026 at 5:28 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-413387) Sounds like you’ve got your KFC down to a science, I like that! I’ll have to try your method next time I’m craving fried chicken. Thanks for sharing. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-413387) 2. **Johanne Cardinal** says: [January 28, 2026 at 6:18 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-412811) Made this last night. My husband loves Kentucky fried chicken. But does not buy it anymore. So I thought this recipe would be a necessity surprise for him. I followed the recipe to a T. First of all the chicken crust was burning in the first 4 minutes so I removed it from the 350 oil temp. Lowered the heat to 300 to finish off the other pieces. Still just the outside was getting too dark so I finished cooking them In the oven. As for the huge amount of spices in the flour the taste was nothing like Kentucky fried chicken. My husband will eat the chicken but it’s never even close to the Kentucky fried flavour . ???? [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-412811) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [February 2, 2026 at 3:26 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-412876) Hey Johanne, I’m sorry that your fried chicken didn’t turn out as expected. The coating shouldn’t be burned in 4 minutes, unless the oil was hotter than 350? Old oil, sugar, or spices can also cause the chicken to burn quickly. If you can figure out which one was the culprit, I can help troubleshoot. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-412876) 3. **Dawn** says: [December 27, 2025 at 6:35 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-412402) Any suggestions on how to keep it from getting so dark? I’ve lowered the temperature on my deep fryer quite a bit and I know I will have to keep it in there longer. What is making it turn so dark? [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-412402) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [January 12, 2026 at 1:23 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-412588) Hey Dawn, first I need to know what is turning dark. Is it the chicken, or the oil? And what temperature did you turn it down to? Oil as it fries naturally gets darker, and if its fried above temperatures of 350 degrees will degrade/darken quicker. If its the chicken that’s getting too dark, ask these questions: Is my oil temperature 375 or higher? Is the batter too thick? Was the fryer crowded with chicken when frying? Once we have the answers, I can better troubleshoot your issue. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-412588) 4. **Danielle Davis** says: [October 22, 2025 at 4:28 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-411592) I used to have this “copycat of favourite restaurants” type of book, which I purchased over 20 years ago. The copycat “KFC original recipe” was one of the recipes in the volume I had. I, of course, don’t remember all of the ingredients by heart; however, two ingredients stood out to me, and therefore I’ve never forgotten them. One of them being “Accént” (MSG) which has left me feeling comfortable using it ever since. And the second left me intrigued but not bold enough to try on my own, ( I don’t recall ginger) but instead “Nutmeg” was one of those 11 herbs & spices. Possibly THAT is what seems “off” to some of the people in the comments section who tried This recipe but found it slightly off, both smell & taste-wise.????? [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-411592) 5. **Chris Kugler** says: [January 16, 2025 at 12:31 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-409048) I thought kfc chicken was pressure cooked before frying [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-409048) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [January 17, 2025 at 10:13 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-409062) I will ask my sources Chris! Thanks for your comment\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-409062) 1. **T. H.** says: [February 22, 2025 at 3:52 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-409463) I just made this using the recipe provided. It was good, but definitely not Kentucky Fried Chicken. I will not mention my age, but absolutely loved the original recipe and this is not it. I even kept waiting for the smell while cooking, but it never came. There’s definitely something missing in the spices. To me, this tastes nothing like it. It was good, but those distinct herbs and spices you always taste and smelled are just not there. More research needed on this one. This recipe doesn’t appear to be accurate. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-409463) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [February 24, 2025 at 9:36 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-409475) I’m sorry you were disappointed. Thanks for trying the recipe\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-409475) 6. **Adam** says: [August 21, 2024 at 3:46 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-407364) I was a chicken cook at KFC when I was in high school, and I just want to say that their original recipe chicken is not just deep fried, it’s deep fried in a pressure cooker. Their extra tasty crispy style of chicken is just plain deep fried, but they have a special type of pressure cooker for their original recipe chicken. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-407364) 7. **Tammy** says: [July 18, 2024 at 3:37 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-406942) I just made this, and OMG! it was absolutely delicious!!!!!\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-406942) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [July 22, 2024 at 1:28 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-406984) I love reading comments like yours. Thank you Tammy\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-406984) 2. **Scotty Irving** says: [January 13, 2025 at 1:46 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-409008) Hi. Will this work on a Fry Daddy or other deep fryer where you can’t adjust the temperature? Thank you\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-409008) 8. **Grace** says: [October 16, 2023 at 11:58 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-402389) Can you do this in an air fryer, don’t have a deep fryer [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-402389) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [October 20, 2023 at 4:56 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-402488) I’m sure you can; however, I haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer so let us know how it turns out\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-402488) 9. **Darren Watson** says: [October 13, 2023 at 9:19 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-402369) I used my deep fat fryer at 350 and they got very dark, i found cooking them at 300 but for longer if need be worked better, using smaller chickens would help also. KFC uses pressure fryers and im gonna invest in one\! [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-402369) 10. **Jamilah** says: [July 18, 2023 at 5:27 am](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-400878) Should the chicken have their skin on or not..? [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-400878) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [July 18, 2023 at 12:46 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-400883) Yes! Thanks for asking. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-400883) 11. **Mama Birdie** says: [May 26, 2023 at 1:35 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-400044) I was concerned @ the salt amount so I kept the salt and celery salt amounts the same but used garlic instead of garlic salt and it came out fine. I also kept the black pepper amount but used only 1 Tbsp of white pepper instead of 3 since white is hotter than black. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-400044) 12. **June** says: [May 24, 2023 at 7:28 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-399992) The breading was delicious. I gave only 3 stars due to the fact I fried them in a deep fryer and at 18 minutes they turned out very dark and almost burnt look. I lowered the time 2 minutes increments, down to 12 minutes and they still came out burnt looking. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-399992) 1. **Team Dinner, then Dessert** says: [May 24, 2023 at 10:34 pm](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-5/#comment-399996) Oh no, that’s disappointing. Was the oil kept at 350 degrees and at least at 5 inches deep to fully submerge the pieces? I timed mine for a deep fry time of 15 – 18 minutes. [Reply](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#comment-399996) #### Comment navigation [Older Comments](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/comment-page-4/#comments)  Hi, I’m Sabrina I am a trained Private Chef of almost 10 years. I love cooking for family and friends and sharing easy, flavorful recipes. 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*KFC Original Recipe Chicken uncovered by a food reporter and Colonel Sander’s nephew. A perfect copycat with all 11 herbs and spices\!* If you’re a KFC fan, then you’re in for a treat with this remarkable **[Copycat Recipe](https://dinnerthendessert.com/category/copycat/)**. Serve with **[KFC Mac and Cheese](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-mac-and-cheese-copycat/)** and **[KFC Coleslaw](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-coleslaw-copycat/)** for your favorite fast food meal\!  ## Sabrina’s KFC Orginal Chicken (Copycat) KFC Original Recipe Chicken has been a huge part of my childhood. As a kid, my aunt would walk me home from school, and we would stop at the KFC that was a half a block from my school. We’d share chicken and a strawberry parfait they used to sell. Unlike the [**Pioneer Chicken**](https://dinnerthendessert.com/pioneer-fried-chicken/) that my mom used to buy, this food memory is one I can still enjoy anytime I want. ## Recipe Card - ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour - ▢ 2/3 tablespoon salt - ▢ 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves - ▢ 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves - ▢ 1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves - ▢ 1 tablespoon celery salt - ▢ 1 tablespoon ground black pepper - ▢ 1 tablespoon dried mustard - ▢ 3 tablespoons paprika , (original recipe calls for 4 tablespoons) - ▢ 2 tablespoons garlic salt - ▢ 1 tablespoon ground ginger - ▢ 3 tablespoons ground white pepper - ▢ 2 teaspoons Accent Seasoning , optional (I left this out) - ▢ 1 cup buttermilk - ▢ 1 large egg - ▢ 1 chicken , cut into 10 pieces (2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs and 2 breasts each cut in half to make 4 breast pieces) - ▢ vegetable oil for frying - Add the spices to a small food processor until they’re all uniform in size and the thyme, basil and oregano aren’t larger in size anymore. - Add the flour in a bowl with all the herbs and spices and mix with a whisk. - In a second larger bowl add the buttermilk and egg together and whisk until combined. - Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture for [20-30 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Remove chicken from the buttermilk soak and let any excess buttermilk drip off. - Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture on all sides, then shake off the excess coating. - Let it rest on a cookie sheet for [20-30 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Add oil to a deep fryer or a large pot that is at least 5 inches high so that the chicken can be fully submerged. - Heat the oil to 350 degrees and fry in small batches for [15-18 minutes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/). - Remove the chicken from the oil and add to a drying rack on top of a clean cookie sheet. - If you add it to a paper towel or newspaper the bottom of the chicken will steam from the heat and become soft. So here it is, in all its glory. I did make a couple of adjustments in my side by side comparison during recipe testing. More details of how/why available in the post above this recipe card. I ditched the MSG. I reduced the paprika by 1 tablespoon. I pulverized the thyme, basil and oregano in my small food processor. I added more oil Thanks so much to the awesome folks at the [Chicago Tribune](http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/recipes/ct-kfc-recipe-test-20160818-story.html) for this KFC Original Recipe Chicken “copycat.” Calories: 686kcal \| Carbohydrates: 49g \| Protein: 43g \| Fat: 36g \| Saturated Fat: 6g \| Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g \| Monounsaturated Fat: 15g \| Trans Fat: 0\.1g \| Cholesterol: 153mg \| Sodium: 5601mg \| Potassium: 294mg \| Fiber: 5g \| Sugar: 3g \| Vitamin A: 2266IU \| Vitamin C: 2mg \| Calcium: 127mg \| Iron: 5mg ## Table of contents - [Sabrina’s KFC Orginal Chicken (Copycat)](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-sabrina-s-kfc-orginal-chicken-copycat) - [Recipe Card](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-recipe-card) - [About this Recipe](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-about-this-recipe) - [Chef’s Note: Authentic KFC flavor](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-chef-s-note-authentic-kfc-flavor) - [Kitchen Tools and Ingredients](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-kitchen-tools-and-ingredients) - [Related Recipes](https://dinnerthendessert.com/kfc-original-recipe-chicken/#h-related-recipes) ## About this Recipe Why make a copycat recipe of it if you have one a mile down the road? Well, A: Copycat recipes are a ton of fun and B: Way, way, way, way higher quality. Have you been to a KFC in the last decade? I’ve only been a few times, but was disappointed each time because the chicken pieces have shrunken… a lot. Making a copycat recipe also allows you to adjust and omit the ingredients according to your dietary needes. Plus, you can try the copycat chicken with delicious pairings, like serving **[Chicken and Waffles](https://dinnerthendessert.com/chicken-and-waffles/)**. ## Chef’s Note: Authentic KFC flavor For years people tried to decode KFC’s famous 11 herbs and spices to make the signature fried chicken. Everyone has theories, and according to KFC no one has EVER been right. So I have sort of watched the copycat rounds develop from a distance. Then something pretty awesome happened. A food reporter for the Chicago Tribune visited the nephew of good old Colonel Sanders himself. He has memories of this recipe that he used to make by the bucket. And lo and behold he has a copy of the recipe in an old scrapbook. So, of course, the reporter snaps a picture and proceeds to bring it back to Chicago for some serious taste testing. Now, as a huge KFC Original Recipe Chicken fan, I’m interested. They recipe test and with the single addition of MSG find that they’ve recreated that distinct amazing flavor. So here it is, in all its glory. I did make a couple of adjustments in my side by side comparison during recipe testing. ## Kitchen Tools and Ingredients - **Deep Fryer:** Easy for keeping the temperature on point and kind of fun to use\! - **Ac’cent Seasoning:** The x factor, this is MSG, so use at your discretion. - **Pigtail Flipper:** I LOVE this tool for frying. I can drop and pick up pieces without removing any breading at all, thanks to this excellent tool. ## More Delicious KFC Recipes (Copycat)  Photos used in previous versions of the post      #### About the Author: Sabrina Snyder Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon. Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert. She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins. She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef. As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day. Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year. As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference. Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California. [See more posts by Sabrina](https://dinnerthendessert.com/author/sabrinasnyder/) Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. Read my [disclosure and copyright policy](https://www.dinnerthendessert.com/privacy-and-copyright/). This post may contain affiliate links.