This Homemade KFC Style Crispy Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and is deep-fried for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! Switch up the spices or use whatever you have on hand to tailor it to your family’s tastes, or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to use up those odds and ends resting in your pantry. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your back pocket for busy weeknights!

Ingredient Breakdown

1 Whole Chicken, Cut into Pieces
2 Cups Buttermilk
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2 Teaspoons Paprika
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Oil for Frying

Let’s Get Cooking!

Get ready for a kitchen adventure, my friend! Making this Homemade KFC Style Crispy Chicken is super simple and fun.

Marinate the Chicken : In a large bowl, cover your chicken pieces in buttermilk, making sure they’re well coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight if you want to be extra prepared!
Prepare the Flour Mixture : Whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. You want this mixture to be homogenous, so everything is well mixed. The smell? It’s going to be incredible!
Heat the Oil : In a deep fryer or large pot, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to get the oil hot enough, or your chicken will soak up too much of it, no one wants greasy chicken!
Dredge the Chicken : Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off (try to resist the temptation to lick your fingers, it’ll be worth it!). Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until it’s fully coated, be generous!
Fry the Chicken : Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 15-18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain : Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. It’s all about that crispy texture!
Serve Hot : Dig in! You can pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces. Honestly, the options are limitless!

Why I Love This Recipe

I can officially say that this is my go-to recipe when I’m in need of some good ol’ comfort food. The best part is that it’s kid-friendly, my picky little eater actually asked for seconds last week! It’s amazing how easy it is to customize this dish too; you really can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Whether it’s herbs, spices, or different cuts of chicken, I’m a real sucker for meals that allow for creativity. It truly makes weeknight dinners so much more enjoyable and stress-free!

If you loved this crispy chicken recipe, be sure to check out my Refreshing Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, my Southern Potato Salad, and my Festive Fall Farro Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Crowd-Pleaser

This homemade KFC style crispy chicken is truly a hit with everyone, young and old! You can feel the joy in the room when the aroma wafts through the house. This is the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, and it’s definitely comfort food loaded with tons of flavor.

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. You can prep ahead by marinating the chicken in the morning or even the night before. It’s the ultimate time-saver!

Customizable

Not only can you switch up the spices, but you can also use any parts of the chicken you’d prefer. Legs, thighs, wings whatever! You can also adjust the heat level based on your family’s preferences. Want it spicy? Go for a bit more cayenne. Want it mild? Just cut the pepper. It’s all up to you!

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy sauces or hard-to-find spices here just simple, wholesome food. You’ll feel good knowing you’re feeding your family something made from scratch without breaking the bank.

Make-Ahead Friendly

While you cannot cook it ahead of time, you can prep! You can marinate the chicken overnight and even prepare the flour mixture in advance. Just make sure to store it properly, it’s all about easy meal-planning.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Homemade KFC Style Crispy Chicken

I love serving my chicken with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes, drenched in gravy, and a crisp coleslaw for a full-on feast. Biscuits and a simple green salad finish off the meal beautifully. Don’t forget a few dipping sauces for a fun twist, honey mustard, BBQ, or even ranch dressing!

Storage Instructions

This crispy chicken will best stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to retain its delightful flavor and texture.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can, nobody wants soggy chicken!

Freezer Friendly

You can freeze the cooked chicken! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat!

Food is all about connecting with people, and I think this is the kind of dish you’ll want to share with everyone you know. And believe me, even if you don’t usually like fried food, this crispy chicken might just change your mind! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.