Craving that iconic crispy, golden KFC flavor right from your own kitchen? This KFC Original Secret Chicken recipe is the ultimate homemade version of the famous fried chicken we all know and love. With a perfectly spiced flour coating and a golden, crunchy crust, this dish nails the classic taste while using everyday pantry spices. Fun fact: the original KFC recipe is said to include 11 herbs and spices—and we’re bringing that secret blend to life right here. If you’ve loved our Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, this full-piece classic will become your next go-to. Time to fry up some crispy comfort!
What is KFC Original Secret Chicken?
KFC Original Secret Chicken is a home-style recreation of the world-famous fried chicken recipe first crafted by Colonel Sanders himself. It’s known for its unique blend of herbs and spices, giving each piece a flavorful, crunchy crust with juicy, tender meat inside. So why is it “secret”? Because the exact spice mix has always been a closely guarded secret—but this version gets you deliciously close. And as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—especially when fried chicken’s involved!
Why You’ll Love This KFC Original Secret Chicken
Crispy, Flavorful Coating
The unique blend of paprika, herbs, and savory seasonings creates that signature golden crust—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make at Home
With common spices and simple steps, you can recreate restaurant-quality chicken in your own kitchen.
Nostalgic & Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a casual family feast, this dish brings the comfort and flavor of KFC home. If you’ve tried our Buttermilk Fried Chicken, this one brings the spice blend to a whole new level.
Let’s bring some Southern magic to your skillet!
How to Make KFC Original Secret Chicken
Quick Overview
This recipe includes breading, pan frying, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 beaten eggs
- 4 tablespoons oil
Flour Coating:
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or chicken stock powder)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Step-by-Step:
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a bowl, sift together the flour and all herbs and seasonings.
- Grind them finely using a mortar and pestle for even flavor distribution.
- Transfer mixture into a clean plastic bag.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs.
- Drop into the flour mixture bag, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces slowly, uncovered, until golden.
- Finish Cooking:
- Once browned, cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
- Continue frying gently until the chicken is cooked through.
- Place on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
What to Serve KFC Original Secret Chicken With
Pair with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese. For a lighter plate, serve with green beans or a crisp garden salad. And don’t forget a biscuit or two!
Top Tips for Perfecting KFC Original Secret Chicken
- Grind the Spices Well: This ensures an even, flavorful coating.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and flour steps.
- Control the Heat: Don’t fry too hot—medium heat prevents burning while allowing the inside to cook.
- Rest on a Rack: If not serving immediately, let chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crisp.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken pieces? Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce cooking time slightly.
What oil should I use? Vegetable or canola oil works best for frying due to its high smoke point.
Can I bake this instead of frying? You can, but it won’t be as crispy. Spray generously with oil and bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
KFC Original Secret Chicken is the ultimate DIY fried chicken recipe—crispy, flavorful, and full of nostalgic charm. With its blend of herbs and spices and that satisfying crunch, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. So roll up your sleeves, fire up the skillet, and bring a taste of fast food royalty to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 beaten eggs
- 4 tablespoons oil
- Flour Coating:
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or chicken stock powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift together the flour and all herbs and spices for the coating.
- Grind finely with a mortar and pestle for better consistency.
- Transfer flour mixture into a clean plastic bag.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs.
- Place into the flour mixture bag, seal, and shake until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken slowly, uncovered, until golden on all sides.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and fry gently until fully cooked through.
- Drain chicken on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
For extra crunch, double dip each chicken piece in egg and flour. Letting coated chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before frying helps the crust adhere better.