Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken

Here is similar to our fried chicken legs but with their special seasonings. You and your kids will absolutely love them. Instead of frying it is just done quickly to really crisp the skin. Then baked so the inside is super juicy.

Ever wonder how KFC makes their chicken so crunchy yet juicy inside and packed with flavor? We have tips on how to make extra crispy chicken skin while keeping the meat fork tender. Below is in the oven, you can follow our Try our air fryer fried chicken sandwich recipe too if you have that machine.

This is a great dinner idea, and really inexpensive too. This is how it starts right? With chicken legs and all of those flavors you think of when you sink your hand into that big bucket, we will share with you how this deliciousness is done!!

Now you could use any piece(s) you want but kids love this one since pan fried chicken legs are so easy to pick up right? A splatter screen is helpful too so you can prevent it spits the oil may give off.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken drumsticks or legs you may call them is what we are using here though you could use this breading with any pieces. Cook time will reflect bone in pieces though about this size

All purpose flour is the coating that will be seasoned with the “secret” seasonings listed below

Eggs – this is how to bread chicken without eggs if you need to use something else but this is what they do use.

Vegetable oil for frying is what we used here though there are other varieties. You do want one that can reach high temperatures without burning though.

Blend of spices are shared below, you can change to your liking but this blend will give you that restaurant taste

Can you buy KFC 11 herbs and spices?

KFC’s signature blend of 11 herbs and spices is a closely guarded secret and is not available for purchase at the store. However, here we have attempted to recreate the flavor by developing copycat recipes for the breading itself.

What is KFC chicken coating made of?

Start with some dried thyme, basil, oregano, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt and white pepper is what we can figure out. The specifics are guarded tightly as a secret but our recipe tastes amazingly similar to theirs.

What oil does KFC use to fry their chicken?

They use soybean oil, starting in 2007. The most important thing to remember and what you should read first is How Hot Should Oil be for Fried Chicken to perfection. Seriously, that is really it!! It really couldn’t be much easier. If you have a dutch oven it is great for frying these as it has a high side and really submerges the legs well. If you’re looking for a cheap meal that your whole family will love you should try this.

How Long to Cook KFC Chicken

You will need a total of about 40 minutes with 3-5 minutes of frying on the stove and then baking in the oven after that until the middle is a safe 165F temperature.

Baked in the Oven

If you wanted to bake this you could use our Bisquick Oven Fried Chicken base but add the special seasonings below to the dry mix coating first.

Air Fryer Method

It isn’t hard and is so worth it to dip just one more time each drumstick to really coat it well. We share here how to make air fryer fried chicken without buttermilk and air fryer fried chicken breast too. NO oil necessary for this one.

If you’re having people over or having a picnic these are great too to bring along. Just finish them, wrap in foil and take them with you or serve outside on a sunny day with a few yummy side dishes. Looking for other comfort food recipe favorites, here are a few more:

Cooking Tips

To make really crispy chicken the key is to dip, coat, and dip again in your flavorful flour mixture. The double coating really makes it more KFC like and how they get that extra crispiness. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Soak the chicken legs in salt water for up to 24 hrs if possible for optimal results.

Leave chicken legs on cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet and put in oven for 35-45 minutes or until the internal meat temperature reads 165 degrees F. Enjoy as is or shred and make a few of our favorite copycat KFC Chicken Pot Pie recipes for your kiddos.

Other family friendly chicken recipes you’ll love

We love making this breading with dark meat too like our air fryer fried chicken thighs or traditional chicken fried steak is great. How to bake crispy chicken wings is shared here. There is definitely a kitchen hack to these.