The Secret to KFC’s Fried Chicken

Nothing says comfort food quite like a bucket of fried chicken. But few places do it better than the aptly named Kentucky Fried Chicken, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a buttery biscuit.

What sets Kentucky Fried Chicken apart from the rest? It’s not just their affordable prices and convenience, it’s also how crispy they’re able to make their chicken (there’s a reason it’s called extra crispy!). Now, you can recreate KFC’s secret recipe at home by following the steps below. We bet you won’t even be able to taste a difference.

Check Out More Down-Home Comfort Foods

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Classic Lemon Meringue Pie This is the one and only lemon meringue pie recipe you'll ever need. The flaky and tender from-scratch crust is worth the effort. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri Get Recipe

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Catfish ParmesanMississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this dish, and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi

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Easy Pimiento CheeseEvery good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It's wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

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Down South Sweet Tea CakeI think this recipe combines two of the best and most famous ingredients from the South: sweet tea and pecans! Using a cake mix simplifies prep and helps ease the holiday time crunch. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

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Tex-Mex Potato SaladI created this Tex-Mex potato salad for one of my cooking classes, and it was a hit. It's perfect for a cookout or potluck. The secret ingredient is pickled jalapenos—they add so much interest and flavor! Add a can of black beans for more protein. —Dianna Ackerley, Cibolo, Texas

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Southern Okra Bean StewWhen this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied—and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, Georgia

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Green Tomato SalsaI came up with this green tomato salsa so I could use up all the fresh tomatoes from my garden. —Vanessa Moon, Tucson, Arizona

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Southern Hoppin' JohnThis is a quick and easy side dish that will become a favorite of your family.—Anne Creech, Kinston, North Carolina

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Southern Sweet Potato TartOur family loves sweet potatoes, so I try to incorporate them in as many dishes as I can. My secret ingredient is the bourbon—it's what makes this tart so delicious. —Marie Bruno, Watkinsville, Georgia

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Mini Hot BrownsHere's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky

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Southern Shrimp and GritsA southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or anytime company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

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Homemade Buttermilk BiscuitsThe recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

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Springtime Beignets & BerriesI've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado

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Southern Potato SaladThis Southern potato salad is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama

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Southern Seafood GumboI tasted a similar dish at a local restaurant and later duplicated it pretty closely. I trimmed it down a bit and no one in my family seemed to mind. —Susan Wright, Champaign, Illinois

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Southern Lane CakeI just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington

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Cajun Shrimp SkilletThere’s plenty of sauce with these shrimp—I always have some bread on the side to soak it up. Make the dish your own by using your favorite amber beer or flavorful broth. —Mark Oppe, North Pole, Alaska

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Southern Fried BLTI’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia

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Honey Pecan PieLooking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio

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Shredded Barbecue Chicken over GritsThere’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

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Buttermilk Pound CakeNow that I've retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can't be topped—once people taste it, they won't go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana

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Southern Fried Chicken with GravyFried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Chocolate Pecan TorteThis impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. —Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas

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Slow-Cooked Pork BarbecueYou need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri

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Corn PuddingCornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

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Biscuits and Sausage GravyThis biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas

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Cajun Shrimp Lasagna Roll-UpsIf you enjoy Creole and Cajun dishes, you'll love this one. The seasoning and andouille sausage give it a nice kick, and seafood fans will appreciate the shrimp. —Mary Beth Harris-Murphree, Tyler, Texas

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Bread Pudding with Bourbon SauceThere's nothing better than this comforting bread pudding recipe on a cold, wintry day. The bourbon sauce makes the dessert taste special, but it's so easy to prepare—the slow cooker does most of the work! —Hope Johnson, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

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Gulf Coast Jambalaya RiceAs the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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Sausage JohnnycakeHere’s a nice hearty breakfast with plenty of old-fashioned flavor. I serve it to my bed-and-breakfast guests. They love the cake’s savory middle and maple syrup topping. It’s a fine way to start the day! —Lorraine Guyn, Calgary, Alberta

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Southern Pimiento Cheese SpreadA classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.

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Bourbon SlushAt our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

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Seasoned Crab CakesAt the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland

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The Best Chicken & Dumplings Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Grandma's Southern Collard GreensMy grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida

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Grits PieSimple, southern and scrumptious, this pie will be a definite hit even with people who dislike grits. It has the perfect custardy texture.—Victoria Hudson, Pickens, South Carolina

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Banana PuddingI didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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Homey Mac & CheeseI also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

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Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

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Chicken-Fried Steak & GravyAs a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York

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Cheddar Corn BiscuitsSkip standard bake-and-serve dinner rolls this year and try my fast-to-fix biscuits studded with cheddar and corn. It's almost impossible to resist eating one right from the oven! —Susan Braun, Swift Current, Saskatchewan

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Iva's Peach CobblerMy mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho

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Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar GritsShrimp and grits were a house favorite—if only we could agree on how to make them. I stirred up a winner for the whole family with some cheddar and Cajun seasoning. —Charlotte Price, Raleigh, North Carolina

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Roasted Fresh OkraIf you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It's OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina

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Red Beans and SausageTurkey sausage, beans and a zesty blend of spices make this a deliciously unique meal.—Cathy Webster, Morris, Illinois

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Cajun Boil on the GrillI came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down CakeFor a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

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Creole JambalayaJambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

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Quick Buttermilk CornbreadThe tattered recipe card for this buttermilk cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Carolina Crab BoilThis pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

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Marina’s Golden Corn FrittersJust one bite of these fritters takes me back to when my kids were young. Nowadays for our get-togethers, I sometimes triple the recipe. Serve fritters with maple syrup or agave nectar. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

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Raisin Pecan PieI remember my Grandmother Voltie and Great-Aunt Ophelia making this southern-style pie for Thanksgiving. It was always one of the many cakes and pies lined up for dessert. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee

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Real Southern Fried ChickenAs a Yankee originally from Vermont, I didn't know one fried chicken from another. They all seemed pretty much the same to me. Tasting the southern version opened my eyes! A side of hot biscuits served with butter and honey is practically mandatory. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Key Lime CupcakesI made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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Country Chicken and GravyHere's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina

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Bananas Foster SundaesI have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina

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Sweet Potato CrispMy not-too-sweet potato crisp features a wonderful buttery crumb topping. This is a welcome change from candied sweet potatoes.—Kathy Hamsher, Moon Township, Pennsylvania

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Creole CornbreadCornbread is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This version is an old favorite, and it really tastes wonderful. I found the recipe in the bottom of my recipe drawer. —Enid Hebert, Lafayette, Louisiana

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KFC’s 11 Secret Herbs and Spices

To really nail the traditional flavor of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it’s all about their 11-spice seasoning blend. Combine KFC’s secret recipe for its breading with 2 cups of flour to thoroughly coat your chicken pieces after dipping in an egg and milk wash.

• 2/3 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon basil
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon dried mustard
• 2 tablespoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/3 tablespoon oregano
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon thyme

The Real Secret Ingredient

According to Ron Douglas, author of America’s Most Wanted Recipes, the real key to the perfect crispy texture is one thing: monosodium glutamate (MSG). You can add this into your seasoning mix before breading or sprinkle it on the chicken after frying. Regardless, it’s a must. And don’t worry—MSG is safe for most people.

How to Get Perfect KFC-Style Chicken

It helps to know how to cut up a whole chicken to get the right blend of thighs, legs and tenders. Then, coat the chicken as described above. Some insist that you should let the coated chicken sit before frying. Not at KFC. Their rule is “from flour to fryer.”

Bread your chicken by first dipping in an egg-milk wash then dipping in the secret spice blend mixed with two cups of flour. From there, go right into the fryer. If you allow the breading to sit on the chicken for too long, you might get soggy breading or breading that doesn’t stick to the chicken.

When it comes to frying, KFC relies on high temp, industrial-strength pressure friers to get that extra crispy coating. While you won’t be able at deep fry with your at home pressure cooker, you can still recreate the KFC crunch with a deep fryer, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Simply heat your oil 350ºF and leave each piece in for exactly 12 minutes. If you’re worried about the chicken not being done, you can pop it into the oven for a few more minutes to heat it through (and maintain the crispy coating).

This is how to make fried chicken that’s better than KFC.

How to Serve Fried Chicken

Biting into a piece of chicken right out of the fryer isn’t the smartest idea. At Kentucky Fried Chicken, they “hold” the chicken in an oven set to 175 degrees for about 20 minutes according to a former employee. This allows the chicken to finish cooking while keeping it warm and the skin crunchy. Do the same by holding your fried chicken in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Even if you follow the above step by step, cracking the crispy skin code may be difficult to do at home. That’s because the texture we all love and crave is largely due to their method of cooking—and if you don’t have a restaurant-grade pressure fryer, it can be tough to recreate.

However, using KFC’s secret recipe along with a deep fryer can still have delicious results. If you’re still a little nervous about working with hot oil, check out our deep-frying guide. Flawless fried chicken is in your future!

Our Favorite Fried Chicken Recipes

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Southern Fried Chicken Strips What's not to love with these crowd-pleasing golden fried chicken strips? A hint of garlic makes this fried chicken tenders recipe irresistible. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, WI Go to Recipe Got leftovers? Here's how to reheat fried chicken and keep it crispy.

Best-Ever Fried ChickenCrispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom's deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia

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Want even more? Find the rest of our best chicken recipes.

Air-Fryer Nashville Hot ChickenI live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

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Looking for an air fryer? Here's our Test Kitchen's favorite brand. Check out these other air-fryer chicken recipes, too.

Best Ever Fried Chicken WingsFor game days, I shake up these saucy wings. When I run out, friends hover by the snack table until I bring out more. When they ask me how to fry chicken wings, they never believe it's so easy! —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado. Want to make sure there's fried chicken for every last guest? Learn from the expert how to fry chicken for a crowd.

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Gram's Fried ChickenAs a boy, I wolfed down my grandmother's fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, but my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina

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Craving more country cookin'? Check out these top-notch Southern chicken recipes.

Cornmeal Oven-Fried ChickenThis cornmeal fried chicken dish perks up the dinner table. Its flavorful cornmeal/bread-crumb coating is a good variation form the usual. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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Fried Lemon-Pepper WingsThese lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day. Try these out if you've been stuck in a chicken wing rut. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Crispy Sage Chicken TendersOne of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan

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For more top-rated ideas, check out these 5-star chicken recipes.

Oven-Fried Chicken DrumsticksThis fabulous recipe uses Greek yogurt to create an amazing marinade that makes the chicken incredibly moist. No one will guess that it has been lightened up and is not even fried! — Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio. Next, learn how to make oven-fried chicken wings.

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Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken NuggetsI developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia

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Chicken FingersAlmost everyone in my family requests these golden chicken fingers as their birthday dinner entree. I begin marinating the chicken strips early in the day to cut down on last-minute fuss. —Charlotte Baillargeon, Hinsdale, Massachusetts

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Crispy Fried ChickenIf you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

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This recipe reminds us of KFC. Discover more delicious copycat chicken recipes!

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Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken NuggetsI was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York

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Crispy Ranch Fried ChickenIt's almost impossible to improve crispy fried chicken. A sprinkling of ranch dressing mix in the coating makes it happen, though. The empty-in-seconds serving platter is proof. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Fried Chicken StripsI recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California

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Southern-Style Oven-Fried ChickenI call this America’s best-loved oven-fried chicken. The secret is in the breading, which makes the chicken super moist and flavorful, herby and golden brown. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

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Picnic Fried ChickenFor our family, it's not a picnic unless we have fried chicken! Chicken, deviled eggs and potato salad are all musts for a picnic as far as my husband is concerned. This is a golden oldie recipe for me—I've used it any number of times. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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Potato Chip Chicken StripsThis novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio

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Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing WafflesAdding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

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Spicy-Good Chicken WingsWe enjoy eating these chicken wings while watching football on TV, but make them for any special occasion for a crowd favorite! The pepper sauce gives just the right amount of heat.—Della Clutts, New Tazewell, Tennessee

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Pigeon River ChickenFor a picnic on the Pigeon River, we made chicken marinated in yogurt with a touch of cayenne. It’s delectable warm or cold. —Lib Jicha, Waynesville, North Carolina

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