Name: Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks and thighs, skin-on); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon white pepper; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; Vegetable oil, for frying

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Hey y'all! Craving that iconic crispy chicken at home? This Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend delivers juicy, flavorful chicken bursting with the legendary blend of herbs and spices you love. Perfect for family meals, game days, or special gatherings, this recipe promises a golden, crunchy crust and tender, mouthwatering meat. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken at home, hot and fresh from your kitchen.
Perfectly crispy and juicy with every bite, just like the famous original.

The secret 11 spice blend is bursting with flavor and easy to whip up.
Budget-friendly and customizable for your taste preferences.
Ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping your favorite comfort food.

Ingredients for Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on: thighs, drumsticks, breasts, wings)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dried mustard powder
2 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic salt

1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon white pepper
Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying (about 6 cups)

Directions: How to Make Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Prepare the 11 Spice Blend

In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating. Set aside on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry each batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the crust crisp.

Notes for Making the Best Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the crust adhere better.
Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying (learn more about frying chicken here).
For extra crunch, double-dip: after first flour coating, dip chicken in buttermilk again and re-coat with seasoned flour.

Variations: Twist on Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice blend for extra heat.
Oven-Baked: Bake breaded chicken on a rack at 400°F (205°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, turning once, for a lighter option.

Required Equipment for Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Large bowl or zip-top bag (for marinating)
Mixing bowl (for spice blend)
Wire rack and baking sheet

Deep fryer or large Dutch oven
Kitchen thermometer
Tongs

Storage Instructions for Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Cool chicken completely before storing in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
Freeze fried chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings

Serve with creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, and warm biscuits.
Pair with classic sides like corn on the cob or baked beans for a true Southern feast.
Try with a spicy dipping sauce or honey mustard for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

For ultra-juicy chicken, marinate overnight in buttermilk.
Always test oil temperature between batches—if it drops too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy (check proper frying technique at Bon Appetit).
Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels, to maintain maximum crunch.

FAQ: Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend

Can I use boneless chicken?: Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well—just adjust the frying time to 8-10 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
Do I have to use buttermilk?: No, you can use a mix of milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade buttermilk substitute (learn more about buttermilk substitutes here).

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6

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Copycat KFC Chicken with 11 Spice Blend