KFC Fried Chicken Recipe - It's Not the Original But It's Good!

Ingredients

• 1.5 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons Louisiana Hot Sauce
• 1 chicken, cut into pieces (available at most grocery stores)
• 3 cups nonfat buttermilk
• 1.5 cups flour
• 2 pounds vegetable shortening (canola or vegetable oil can also be used)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Mix together the salt, Louisiana hot sauce, and buttermilk in a large bowl.
   • Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated with the buttermilk mixture.
   • Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 4 hours.

2. Prepare the Coating:

   • Combine the flour, baking powder, pepper, cayenne pepper, and 3 teaspoons of salt in a large paper bag.
   • Shake the bag to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Heat the Oil:

   • In a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat the oil or shortening to 375°F (190°C).
   • Ensure there is enough oil to cover each piece of chicken, and that the sides of the skillet are high enough to prevent overflow.

4. Coat and Fry the Chicken:

   • Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture.
   • One at a time, place the chicken pieces in the paper bag and shake to coat thoroughly.
   • Fry half of the chicken pieces in the hot oil for 10 minutes on each side.
   • Once cooked, drain the chicken on a rack or paper towels.
   • Repeat the coating and frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.

5. Serving:

   • If you need to cook more chicken, simply double or triple the recipe as needed.

Interesting Stats About Fried Chicken

• Popularity: Fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes in the United States. According to a survey by the National Chicken Council, Americans consumed 96.4 pounds of chicken per capita in 2020, with a significant portion being fried chicken (source).
• Global Reach: KFC, one of the most famous fried chicken chains, operates in over 150 countries with more than 24,000 outlets worldwide (source).
• Health Considerations: While delicious, fried chicken is often high in calories and fat. A single piece of fried chicken can contain up to 400 calories and 25 grams of fat (source).

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the chicken will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
• Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest on a rack after frying. This helps to drain excess oil and keeps the coating crispy.
• Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs in the coating mixture to suit your taste preferences.

By following this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious homemade version of fried chicken that rivals any fast-food chain. Whether for a picnic, a family dinner, or just a treat for yourself, this fried chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.