Homemade KFC Fried Chicken (Print Version)

Crispy, golden fried chicken inspired by the KFC classic, made easily at home.

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - ⅔ tablespoon salt
03 - ½ tablespoon ground thyme
04 - ½ tablespoon basil
05 - ⅓ tablespoon oregano
06 - 1 tablespoon celery salt
07 - 1 tablespoon black pepper
08 - 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
09 - 4 tablespoons paprika
10 - 2 tablespoons garlic salt
11 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
12 - 3 tablespoons ground white pepper
13 - ½ teaspoon MSG (optional)

→ Chicken and Wet Ingredients

14 - 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
15 - 1 egg, beaten
16 - 1 cup full-fat buttermilk

→ Frying Medium

17 - Vegetable shortening for frying (or vegetable oil)

# Instructions:

01 - Cut the chicken into pieces.
02 - Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, ground thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, ground white pepper, and MSG (if using) in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg. Soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture for 30 minutes.
04 - Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture and coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Let the coated pieces rest for 15 minutes.
05 - Heat vegetable shortening or oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pan or fryer.
06 - Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes per batch.
07 - Using tongs, remove the fried chicken pieces and drain them on a wire rack. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

# Notes:

01 - For crispier chicken, let the coated pieces rest before frying to allow the seasoning to adhere better.
02 - Fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature.