Name: Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (cut up into 8 pieces); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg (beaten); 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup ground paprika; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 tablespoons ground white pepper; 1 tablespoon celery salt; 1 tablespoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dry ground mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon MSG (optional); Vegetable oil (for frying, about 3 inches deep)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 78 reviews

If you have ever craved that irresistibly crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken from a famous fast-food chain but wished you could make it right at home, you are in for a treat. This Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe captures all the magic of that crunchy, flavorful coating and tender, juicy meat with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether it is a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe promises that finger-licking satisfaction without stepping out of your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view shows five raw chicken pieces with pale pink skin and some white fat on a white oval plate on the left. To the right, there is a white round bowl filled with white flour that looks soft and powdery. Below that bowl, another white round bowl contains a colorful spread of spices arranged in small separate piles, including red, brown, beige, yellow, green, gray and black powders with different textures ranging from fine powders to small granules. At the top right, a clear glass cup holds a white liquid that looks like milk or buttermilk. Below it, there is a small white round bowl with one raw egg, featuring a bright yellow yolk in the middle of clear egg white. All dishes rest on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in delivering the authentic taste, texture, and aroma that define this legendary fried chicken. From the tangy buttermilk marinade tenderizing the chicken to the precise blend of spices creating that signature seasoning, every component is essential.

1 whole chicken (cut up into 8 pieces): Using fresh chicken pieces ensures even cooking and ideal portion sizes.
1 cup buttermilk: The tanginess helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture.
1 large egg (beaten): Helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken perfectly.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that becomes golden brown when fried.
¼ cup ground paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
2 tablespoons garlic powder: Introduces a savory, aromatic note.
2 tablespoons ground white pepper: Provides heat without the black specks in the coating.
1 tablespoon celery salt: A subtle hint of herbal saltiness essential to the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon ground black pepper: Balances the seasoning with mild sharpness.
1 tablespoon dry ground mustard: Contributes a slight tang and depth.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the other seasonings and flavors.
2 teaspoons onion powder: Brings a sweet, mellow onion flavor throughout.
2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Infuses the coating with a warm peppery touch.
1½ teaspoons dried oregano: Complements the herbs with a robust flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a subtle zing beneath the spices.
½ teaspoon MSG (optional): Heightens umami and overall savory satisfaction.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with high smoke point to achieve perfect frying crispiness.

How to Make Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Chicken

Start by cutting the whole chicken into 8 pieces, which typically includes the breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. This way, you ensure each piece cooks evenly, and the familiar variety of cuts replicates that classic fried chicken experience.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss them in this magical marinade to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes—overnight in the refrigerator is even better if you can wait! The buttermilk tenderizes the meat while the egg works as a binding agent to help the flour stick.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Flour

While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour with the paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, kosher salt, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, ground ginger, and optional MSG in a large bowl. This seasoning mix replicates the iconic flavor punch that makes this Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 4: Heat Oil and Prepare Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 175°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and fitted with an oven-safe wire rack on top. This setup will keep your fried chicken crispy and warm after cooking. Meanwhile, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy Dutch oven to 350°F—this temperature is crucial for the perfect crispy crust without greasy chicken.

Step 5: Dredge the Chicken

Remove one chicken piece at a time from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off, then press it firmly into the flour and seasoning mix so every nook and cranny is coated. Shake off any extra flour and immediately place the piece into the hot oil. Fry no more than 3-4 pieces at a time to maintain the oil temperature for even cooking.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through to promote an even golden crust. You’ll notice the irresistible aroma as the seasoned coating crisps up beautifully, locking in juicy tenderness inside.

Step 7: Keep Warm in the Oven

Once golden and cooked through, transfer each batch to the wire rack on the baking sheet and put it in the oven. This keeps the chicken warm and crispy while you finish frying the remaining pieces. After all are cooked, let them rest in the oven for 10-15 minutes until ready to serve, ensuring the inside reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.

How to Serve Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe

Several pieces of crispy fried chicken with a rough, golden brown crust are placed on a black wire cooling rack. The chicken has a crunchy texture with uneven, bumpy layers of breading covering the surface. The background shows part of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For the full nostalgic effect, garnish your fried chicken with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. This adds a pop of freshness and a hint of finishing texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.

Side Dishes

This Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, coleslaw, and flaky buttermilk biscuits. These staples complement the rich flavors and balance the meal with varied textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party or picnic, arrange the fried chicken on a large wooden platter lined with parchment paper, surrounded by colorful vegetable sticks and dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy barbecue. This creates a fun, inviting spread that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fried chicken is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays flavorful for up to 3-4 days. Placing paper towels inside the container can help absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.

Freezing

If you want to save the goodness for longer, freeze your cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, flash-freeze pieces on a tray first, then transfer to bags to avoid clumping. Frozen fried chicken can keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive that amazing crispiness, reheat leftover or thawed fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for around 10-15 minutes. Using a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air to circulate, keeping the crust perfectly crunchy without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! While the whole chicken gives you a variety of cuts, using just thighs or breasts works well too. Just adjust frying times slightly as breasts tend to cook faster than darker cuts.

Is buttermilk really necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk is key because its acidity tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoned flour adhere, creating that signature crispy crust. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can be a good substitute.

What if I don’t have a deep fryer? Can I fry in a pot?

Yes! A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot works perfectly for frying. Just make sure to monitor the oil temperature closely with a thermometer to avoid under- or over-cooking.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Baking will give a healthier option but won’t quite match the crispiness and flavor of frying. For a better crisp, try coating with a little oil spray before baking on a wire rack at a high temperature.

What’s the purpose of the MSG in the seasoning?

MSG enhances the umami and overall savory taste in small amounts without adding extra saltiness. It’s optional but helps replicate the exact flavor profile of the famous Kentucky fried chicken.

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe at home is like inviting a little piece of comfort and joy into your kitchen. Each crunchy bite carries the warmth of tradition, expert seasoning, and that unbeatable crispy texture. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this timeless, finger-licking fried chicken experience from scratch.