Crispy Copycat KFC Chicken (From the Leaked Recipe)

Craving that legendary crunch and flavor of KFC chicken? This Crispy Copycat KFC Chicken recipe brings the Colonel’s famous secret blend of herbs and spices right into your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned, double-dredged, and fried to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for fried chicken lovers. Serve it up for family dinners, game nights, or backyard picnics.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like KFC with a homemade twist
• 11 spices blended into the crispy coating for bold, savory flavor
• Juicy on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside
• Easy to prep ahead and fry when you’re ready to serve
• Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week

What Is Copycat KFC Chicken?

Copycat KFC Chicken mimics the legendary recipe made famous by Kentucky Fried Chicken: juicy, marinated chicken coated in a crispy breading flavored with a secret mix of 11 herbs and spices. While KFC keeps their exact blend under lock and key, this version—adapted from a leaked formula and refined for home kitchens—captures the signature flavor profile and crunch we all know and love. It’s classic Southern fried chicken with a fast-food twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Chicken

• Marinate in buttermilk for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
• Double dredge in seasoned flour for maximum crunch.
• Let dredged chicken rest 10–15 minutes before frying—this helps the coating stick better.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) while frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Spices Are in KFC Chicken?

This copycat recipe includes 11 spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and mustard powder, closely mirroring the famous blend.

Why Is Buttermilk Important?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the seasoned flour coating stick better, creating that signature crust.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breast strips work well—just adjust the frying time (about 6–8 minutes for tenders).

How Do I Make This Chicken Extra Spicy?

Add 1–2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour dredge and a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.

Can I Bake Instead of Fry?

You can, but it won’t be quite as crispy. For oven-baked chicken, spritz dredged pieces with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I Air Fry This Recipe?

Yes—preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. Spray the chicken lightly with oil for a crispier finish.

How to Store

Allow leftover fried chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Freeze

Wrap fully cooled fried chicken tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Seasoned Flour Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp celery salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp dry mustard powder
• 4 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 3 tbsp white pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

How to Make Copycat KFC Chicken