How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken with KFC-Style Gravy

If you’re craving some crispy, mouth-watering fried chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy, this recipe will guide you step by step through the process to recreate that famous KFC-style meal at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make and packs in all the savory goodness you love.

Buttermilk Marinade

Start by preparing the buttermilk marinade. You will need 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) of buttermilk, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix everything well to combine. Add 10 chicken legs into the marinade, though you can opt for wings, breasts, or thighs as well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or you can refrigerate the chicken for up to 12 hours for even better flavor.

KFC-Style Chicken Breading

For the breading, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a mix of KFC’s 11 secret herbs and spices. Combine the following ingredients:

  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tbsp white pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder

Thoroughly mix the flour with the spices to create your flavorful coating.

Preparing the Potatoes

While your chicken is marinating, prepare your side dish. For the potatoes, use 1 kg (2 lb) of russet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Boil them until tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

Making the Gravy

Now for the gravy—melt 3 tbsp of butter in a pan and stir in 3 tbsp of flour. Add 1/2 tsp each of black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Stir the mixture for 2 minutes. Next, add 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken stock and 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of beef stock, mixing well. Add a beef bouillon cube for extra flavor and color. Stir in 3 tbsp of butter and 1/2 cup (180 ml) of warm milk. Let everything simmer until thickened.

Frying the Chicken

Take your marinated chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks. Heat 2 cups (500 ml) of avocado oil (or vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) in a pan. Once hot, gently place the chicken in the oil. Fry for about 7-8 minutes on one side, until the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and fry for an additional 4-5 minutes until fully cooked. Place the fried chicken on a rack in the oven preheated to 180°F (80°C) to keep warm.

Serving

Once everything is ready, serve your crispy fried chicken over the tender potatoes and pour the rich, homemade gravy on top. It’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Enjoy your delicious homemade fried chicken meal, and don’t forget to share the joy with your friends and family!

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