Kentucky Fried Chicken

Story behind the dish

Few dishes evoke the warm, nostalgic feeling of a crispy, golden fried chicken. From street corners to family kitchens, this beloved comfort food has captured hearts with its tempting aroma and crunchy texture. While everyone knows that iconic crispy coating, few realize the magic is about more than just the crunch — it’s about the perfect balance of spices and a tender, juicy interior. This homemade version brings the secret to your own kitchen, offering a deliciously satisfying experience that’s just as good (if not better) than the famous fast-food classic.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 quarts neutral frying oil (such as vegetable or canola)
• 1 large egg white
• 1 1/2 cups (6 oz or 170 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz or 14 g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (0.5 oz or 14 g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (1.3 oz or 37 g) paprika
• 2 teaspoons (0.3 oz or 9 g) onion salt
• 1 teaspoon (0.2 oz or 6 g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (0.2 oz or 6 g) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) sage
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) basil
• 1/2 teaspoon (0.1 oz or 3 g) marjoram

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your fryer to 350°F (177°C).
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all the spice ingredients together.
3. In a larger bowl, combine the spice mixture with the flour, brown sugar, and salt.
4. Cut the chicken into serving pieces if desired. Dip each piece in the egg white to lightly coat, then transfer to the flour mixture. Turn a few times to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
5. Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 5 minutes to let the crust set and dry slightly.
6. Carefully fry the chicken in batches. Cook breasts and wings for about 12–14 minutes, and legs and thighs a tad longer until crispy and cooked through. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra tenderness, brine the chicken in salted water for a few hours before frying.
• Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery cornbread for a true comfort meal experience.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly special about creating your own crispy fried chicken — it fills your home with irresistible aroma and brings joy to every bite. This homemade version allows you to tweak the spices to suit your taste and achieve that perfect crunchy crust. Gather your loved ones around the table to share in the warmth, crunch, and unforgettable flavor of a dish that’s rooted in tradition but made fresh by you.