In a world of food fads and fleeting flavors, one craving remains timeless: crispy, golden, finger-lickin’ fried chicken. And in 2025, foodies around the globe are once again obsessed with recreating one of the most iconic comfort foods of all time—the original Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe.
But what if you could skip the drive-thru and recreate that nostalgic crunch at home?
The Story Behind the Secret Recipe
The journey of KFC began humbly in the 1930s with Harland David Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders. From a small roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, Sanders built a culinary empire that today serves millions in over 150 countries.
And yet, what’s always set KFC apart isn’t just the chicken—it’s the mystery behind its legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices. For decades, the exact mix was locked away in a vault. But in 2016, that mystery cracked open when the Chicago Tribune published a story claiming to have discovered the original recipe in a family scrapbook.
Although KFC never confirmed it, chefs and home cooks quickly jumped into action, reverse-engineering the ingredients with near-perfect results.
What’s Inside the “Secret” Blend?
Here’s what culinary experts believe are the 11 herbs and spices in Colonel Sanders’ original fried chicken recipe:
| Herb or Spice | Amount (per 2 cups of flour) |
|---|---|
| Salt | 2/3 tablespoon |
| Thyme | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Basil | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Oregano | 1/3 tablespoon |
| Celery Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| White Pepper | 3 tablespoons |
Source: Chicago Tribune – KFC Recipe Leak Report
How to Make KFC-Style Fried Chicken at Home (2025 Version)
Recreating KFC at home is more achievable than ever. With pantry staples and a bit of patience, the results are surprisingly close to the real thing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8–10 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- Canola oil or lard for frying
- 11-herb spice blend (above)
Instructions:
- Marinate: Soak chicken in buttermilk for 4 hours or overnight.
- Mix: Combine flour and spice mix in a large bowl.
- Dip & Dredge: Beat the egg into the leftover buttermilk. Dip the chicken, then coat in flour mixture.
- Rest: Let the coated chicken rest for 20 minutes on a wire rack.
- Fry: Heat oil to 340°F (170°C). Fry each piece for 15–18 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Why This Recipe Still Matters in 2025
With food prices rising and more people cooking at home, recipes like this are more than just fun—they’re practical. A homemade version of KFC gives you:
- A clean-label alternative without additives
- Full control over salt, oil, and spice
- The same nostalgic flavor for a fraction of the cost
According to Statista, 72% of Americans are cooking at home at least 4–6 times a week, a trend that continues even post-pandemic.
“In 2025, comfort food is no longer about convenience—it’s about connection, flavor, and doing it yourself,” says Muhammad Ahtsham, founder of EatLike.Blog.
Is This Really the Original Recipe?
While the original recipe remains under lock and key in Louisville, most experts agree that this version is at least 90–95% accurate. Taste tests and side-by-side comparisons show:
- The white pepper provides that signature aftertaste
- Cooking technique plays as much a role as ingredients
- Frying at the right temperature makes all the difference
Final Thoughts: Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of cracking the Colonel’s code, now’s your chance. This DIY version may not be official, but it’s as close as you’ll get without owning a KFC franchise.
More than a recipe, it’s an invitation—to slow down, cook with care, and enjoy one of the most cherished flavors in fast-food history.
“It’s not just about copying the taste,” Ahtsham adds. “It’s about bringing back a feeling—something warm, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying, made with your own hands.”
Want to try it? Tag @EatLike.Blog with your homemade KFC pics or share your own twist on the recipe. Because in 2025, food isn’t just what we eat—it’s what we share.
FAQs
What is the Kentucky Fried Chicken secret recipe?
The secret KFC recipe is believed to be a blend of 11 herbs and spices mixed into flour, creating its iconic seasoned coating. While the exact formula is still officially locked away, a widely accepted version includes salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic salt, ground ginger, paprika, and dried mustard. This mix, combined with a precise frying method, gives KFC its legendary flavor and crispiness.
What is KFC chicken batter made of?
KFC doesn’t use a traditional wet batter. Instead, the chicken is first marinated in buttermilk, then dredged in a dry mix of flour, salt, and the 11 secret herbs and spices. This seasoned flour acts as the breading, sticking to the chicken after it’s dipped from the buttermilk mixture. The result is a flaky, crispy coating once deep-fried.
What is the coating on Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The coating on KFC chicken is a signature flour-based breading made with their secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. It’s not just about the ingredients—the process matters, too. After marinating, the chicken is coated in the seasoned flour, rested, and then pressure-fried or deep-fried to seal in flavor and create that famous crispy golden crust KFC is known for.
Do KFC boil chicken before frying?
No, KFC does not boil the chicken before frying. Instead, the chicken is typically marinated, then coated in the signature seasoned flour mix and fried directly—often using pressure frying, which seals in moisture while cooking the chicken quickly at high temperatures. Boiling would change the texture and flavor, and it’s not part of the KFC process or copycat recipes.
Homemade KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Spice Mix In a separate large bowl, combine all the herbs, spices, and flour. Mix thoroughly to create your seasoned dredge.
- Dip and Dredge Beat one egg into the remaining buttermilk. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
- Let It Rest Place the coated chicken on a wire rack. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Heat the Oil In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 340°F (170°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Fry the Chicken Carefully place 2–3 pieces into the hot oil at a time. Fry each piece for 15–18 minutes, turning once, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve Remove chicken and drain on a clean wire rack or paper towels. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk and flour mix twice.
- White pepper is key—don’t skip it if you want that authentic KFC aftertaste.
- This recipe works great with boneless tenders too—just reduce frying time.
- Always check internal temperature with a thermometer for food safety.
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Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.Blog, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
