Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This Quick & Tasty KFC Fried Chicken Recipe will give you all the flavor of your favorite fast-food chicken in a fraction of the time. With the perfect crispy coating and tender chicken inside, this homemade version is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Let’s dive into this quick & tasty KFC fried chicken recipe that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
Here’s why this homemade fried chicken recipe is a winner:
Quick & Easy: You don’t need to spend hours waiting for the chicken to marinate or prepare complicated steps.
Crispy and Tender: The secret to crispy fried chicken lies in the perfect seasoning and batter, which this recipe nails!
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to your liking to create the perfect flavor for you and your family.
Comfort Food: Crispy fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a simple treat.
Ingredients for Quick & Tasty KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
This recipe serves about 4 people and can be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group.
For the Chicken:
4-6 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, bone-in for the best flavor)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little extra color and flavor)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for a savory flavor)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick of heat)
1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to cover the chicken in the pan)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Quick & Tasty KFC Fried Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step helps to add flavor to the chicken directly before frying.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to mix everything evenly.
In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together to make a wet batter.
Set up your breading station: First, dip each chicken piece into the wet mixture (egg and buttermilk), then coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated on all sides.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the wet mixture again and then back into the flour.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the chicken pieces.
To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the breading into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken.
Fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re using larger pieces like breasts, you might need to cook them for a little longer.
Monitor the temperature: If the oil gets too hot, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning the chicken.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to ensure the juices stay inside and the coating remains crispy.
Practical Tips for the Best Fried Chicken
1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Best Flavor
Bone-in chicken tends to retain more moisture, giving you a juicier, more flavorful fried chicken. You can use boneless chicken, but it may not be as juicy or flavorful.
2. Let the Coating Set
After breading the chicken, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before frying. This allows the flour mixture to set and helps create a thicker crust.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will reduce the temperature of the oil, which can lead to soggy chicken.
4. Use a Thermometer
To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
Serving Suggestions
This quick & tasty fried chicken pairs perfectly with several side dishes:
Mashed potatoes with gravy
Corn on the cob
Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
Buttered biscuits or dinner rolls for a classic touch
French fries or sweet potato fries for a delicious side
Conclusion: Your Go-To Quick & Tasty KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
This quick & tasty KFC fried chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy homemade, crispy, juicy fried chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate that delicious fast-food flavor at home in under 30 minutes.
To recap:
Season and coat the chicken in a flavorful batter.
Fry the chicken until crispy and golden brown.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting meal.