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kfc secret recipe clone

Finger Lickin' Good KFC Secret Recipe Clone

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This homemade KFC-style fried chicken captures the iconic flavor of Colonel Sanders' famous recipe. With a special blend of herbs and spices including the secret ingredient—tomato soup mix—this crispy, herbaceous chicken tastes remarkably similar to the fast-food favorite but with the benefit of using quality ingredients you control.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup tomato soup mix Lipton brand recommended
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons onion salt
  • 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon or 4 cubes, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground sage
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons thyme
  • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
  • chicken pieces patted dry
  • buttermilk optional, for double coating
  • oil for frying

Equipment

  • Blender or fine strainer
  • Large bowl or paper bag
  • Deep fryer or large pot

Method
 

  1. Combine all herbs and spices (rosemary, oregano, sage, ginger, marjoram, thyme, brown sugar, parsley, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, onion salt, chicken bouillon, and tomato soup mix) in a blender.
  2. Pulse the mixture for 3-4 minutes until completely pulverized to a fine powder. If you don't have a blender, rub the mixture through a fine strainer to achieve a similar consistency.
  3. Store the spice blend in an airtight container if not using immediately. This makes more than needed for one batch of chicken.
  4. When ready to cook, mix 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of the spice blend with 1 cup of flour in a large bowl or paper bag.
  5. Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
  6. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
  7. For extra crispiness, dip the coated chicken in buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture for a second coating (optional).
  8. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot.
  9. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  10. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal

Notes

The spice blend will stay fresh for about three months when stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. This recipe makes more spice mix than you'll need for one batch of chicken, so you can save the rest for future use.
For the most authentic KFC experience, serve with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, tangy coleslaw, and warm buttermilk biscuits.
The quality of your spices matters—fresh, aromatic herbs will give you the most authentic result, though dried work perfectly fine too.

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