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Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and eggs, whisking until fully blended.
- Place the chicken pieces in the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for extra tenderness and flavor).
2. Make the Seasoned Flour Coating
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper. Mix well until all the herbs and spices are evenly incorporated into the flour.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to reach room temperature.
- Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even, thick coating. Repeat with all the chicken pieces, setting them aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge each piece of chicken.
- To test if the oil is hot enough, sprinkle a small pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready for frying.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can result in soggy chicken.
- Fry each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve
Serve your homemade KFC-style fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits. Enjoy the crispy, seasoned coating and juicy, tender meat!
Tips for the Best Results
- Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an even thicker crust, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and flour for a double coating.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinating in buttermilk overnight helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
This recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying homemade take on KFC’s famous fried chicken. Enjoy!