KFC Style Fried Chicken (Secret Recipe)
KFC Style Fried Chicken (Secret Recipe) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving.
Prep: 5 hrs 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 5 hrs 55 min
Cost: $44.42 total, $11.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken Drumsticks (bone‑in, skin removed; cut two slits down to the bone on each piece)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (helps neutralize odors)
- 2 tsp Salt (for first marination; plus extra for seasoning later)
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar (first marination)
- 2 cup Water (enough to cover chicken in first marination)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (second marination and sauce)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (adds umami in second marination)
- 1 tsp Tabasco Hot Sauce (optional heat in second marination)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (acidic note in second marination)
- 1 tbsp Pickle Juice (adds tanginess in second marination)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (ground, for second marination and flour mix)
- 2 tsp Mustard Powder (split between marinades and flour mix)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes (second marination)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (second marination)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (second marination)
- 2 tbsp Chicken Seasoning (store‑bought blend, split between marinades and flour mix)
- 2 tsp MSG (enhances umami; split between marinades and flour mix)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (second marination)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (base for smoky fire sauce)
- 2 tbsp Chipotle Sauce (adds smoky flavor to sauce)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (for sauce) (balances sauce acidity)
- 3 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for dredging; use plenty for full coating)
- 1 tsp Oregano (flour seasoning)
- 1 tsp Thyme (flour seasoning)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (flour seasoning)
- 1 tsp Celery Powder (flour seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (flour seasoning for heat)
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper (flour seasoning)
- 1.5 liter Sunflower Oil (high smoke point for deep frying)
- 1 cup Cold Tap Water (for dip between flour coats)
Instructions
Trim and Score the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, remove any excess fat from the drumsticks and make two shallow cuts down each piece, reaching the bone, to allow the marinades to penetrate.
Time: PT10M
First Marination – Baking Soda Mix
In a large bowl combine 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp white vinegar, and enough water to fully cover the chicken. Stir well, then add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Time: PT5M
Rest for First Marination
Cover the bowl and let the chicken sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Time: PT30M
Rinse and Drain
Rinse the chicken under cold water to remove excess salt and baking soda, then pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Second Marination – Flavor Mix
In the same bowl combine 2 tbsp Sriracha, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Tabasco, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp pickle juice, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tbsp chicken seasoning, 1 tsp MSG, 1 tsp red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken and massage the mixture into every crevice.
Time: PT5M
Rest for Second Marination
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 4 hours (or 3‑5 hours) to let flavors fully develop.
Time: PT4H
Prepare the Smoky Fire Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Sriracha, 2 tbsp chipotle sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Make the Flour Dredge
In a large shallow container combine 3 cups all‑purpose flour with 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chicken seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp celery powder, 1 tsp MSG, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
Time: PT10M
Heat the Oil
Pour 1.5 L sunflower oil into the deep‑fry pot and heat over medium‑high until it reaches 170 °C (340 °F).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 170°C
Coat the Chicken
Working in batches, first dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, dip quickly into 1 cup cold water, let excess drip, then return to the flour and press gently to form a thick coating. Shake off any loose flour before frying.
Time: PT15M
Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, without crowding. Fry for 7‑8 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F) and the exterior is golden‑brown.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 170°C
Drain and Finish
Using tongs, lift the chicken onto a wire rack or paper towels to drain. While still hot, sprinkle a pinch of salt and a little extra chicken seasoning for a final flavor boost.
Time: PT5M
Cleanup
Allow the oil to cool, then strain and discard or store for future use. Wash all bowls, utensils, and the fryer pot with hot, soapy water.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Wheat (flour), Soy (soy sauce), MSG (optional), Egg (may be present in some mayonnaise brands)
Last updated: April 6, 2026






