Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe

Nothing encapsulates the essence of soul-satisfying comfort food quite like a plateful of golden, crispy chicken that’s been seasoned with precision and fried to absolute perfection. This Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe is a culinary celebration of the simple yet impactful pleasures that come from cooking. It’s about elevating everyday ingredients into an extraordinary feast for the senses. With its irresistibly crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, each bite into this chicken is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a comforting embrace that resonates deeply.

Ingredients

• 10 pieces of chicken (preferably thighs and legs, with skin on for maximum flavor)
• 2 cups of all-purpose wheat flour (for the perfect crispy coating)
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch (to add lightness and crisp to the batter)
• 2 large eggs (as part of the wet mix for the batter)
• 1 cup of evaporated milk (for richness in the wet mix)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (for a hint of tanginess and depth)
• 1 tablespoon high-quality chicken or meat seasoning (for that unmistakable savory flavor)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for aroma and taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, ensuring the right balance of flavors)
• Oil for frying (choose a high-smoke-point oil for the best results, like canola or vegetable)

Directions

1. Preparation of Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Pat them dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. This foundational step ensures that the chicken is clean and seasoned from the start, setting the stage for a flavorful outcome.
2. Simmering for Tenderness: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and partially submerge them in water. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes with the lid on. This method is crucial for ensuring that the chicken is tender and cooks evenly, without losing its juiciness during frying.
3. Batter Preparation: Prepare two large bowls for the battering process. In one, mix the flour, cornstarch, minced garlic, and seasoning together. This dry mix will create the crispy exterior we all love. In the other bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, mustard, salt, and pepper, creating a rich and flavorful wet mix that will help the dry ingredients adhere to the chicken.
4. Coating the Chicken: After simmering, remove the chicken from the water and pat dry. Coat each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour. This double coating is the secret to achieving that perfect, crunchy exterior. Chill the coated chicken in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set the batter.
5. Frying to Perfection: Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a stockpot or high skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches, 2-3 pieces at a time, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. It’s important not to overcrowd the pot to maintain the oil’s temperature, ensuring each piece is evenly cooked and perfectly crispy.
6. Resting: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step is not just about removing excess oil but also allows the chicken to rest, ensuring it remains juicy inside and crispy outside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious homemade KFC-style chicken with your choice of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob, for a complete meal that’s sure to delight.

Conclusion

This Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe captures the essence of comfort food, offering a crispy, flavorful, and soulful dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. By following these detailed steps and using quality ingredients, you can recreate the magic of KFC-style chicken right in your own kitchen, bringing joy and comfort to your table.