Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
– 4 cups buttermilk
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
For the Coating:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2/3 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon thyme
– 1/2 tablespoon basil
– 1/3 tablespoon oregano
– 1 tablespoon celery salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon dried mustard
– 4 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons garlic salt
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 3 tablespoons white pepper
For Frying:
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
– Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover them with the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
– In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
– Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
– Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the coating to set.
4. Heat the Oil:
– In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces.
5. Fry the Chicken:
– Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for about 12-15 minutes for dark meat and 8-10 minutes for white meat, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve:
– Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade KFC-style chicken with your favorite sides!
Tips:
– Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil and adjust the heat as needed.
– Marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
– Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated and let it rest before frying to help the coating adhere better.
Enjoy making and eating this homemade version of KFC’s original recipe chicken!