Irresistibly Crispy: The Best Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Recipe

Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a kitchen victory. From the first bite, it brings that iconic crispy, juicy flavor we all crave, right from the comfort of your home. Imagine replicating the finger-lickin’ goodness of the original Kentucky Fried Chicken without the mystery or long ingredient list. What’s even better? This homemade KFC-style chicken uses real pantry staples, takes under an hour, and doesn’t require a pressure fryer.

That golden coating you love? It’s all in the technique.About page , From the wet batter to the seasoned flour mix, every step in this recipe mimics that famous KFC crunch. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers unbeatable results. Plus, you’ll finally know how to use cornstarch for extra crispiness, and you can even air-fry it if you’re watching the oil.

Looking for inspiration? Try this garlic butter salmon spinach mushrooms for a side dish twist to balance out the indulgence.

Now, before we get into how to cook it, let me tell you a quick story…

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken: The Viral Comfort Classic

What Makes This Homemade KFC Style Chicken Unforgettable?

Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken delivers all the crispy, juicy goodness you crave—without a trip to the drive-thru. This isn’t your average fried chicken. It’s a flavor-packed, shortcut recipe that channels that nostalgic Kentucky crunch with simple ingredients you’ve already got in your kitchen. And the best part? You can have it hot and ready in under an hour.

The magic lies in the homemade coating—crafted with seasoned flour, a touch of cornstarch, and a few wet batter tricks that help create those rough, crunchy ridges KFC chicken is famous for. No mystery spices, no deep-fry guesswork—just real, accessible flavor and a failproof method that works every time.

Ever wondered, “How do you actually make KFC chicken at home?” Or maybe you typed in “recipe for KFC chicken coating” late one night after craving the real thing. This guide walks you through everything—from tenderizing your meat to perfecting that golden crust—all without the need for professional tools or secret sauces.

Looking for another crave-worthy dish? Don’t miss our crispy honey lime chicken tostada tower—a bold twist on flavor that’s also super easy to make.

How This Recipe Started on Our About Page

A few years back, before Cooking Flash became your go-to spot for everyday gourmet recipes, someone asked us:
“Can you show us how to make real-deal KFC-style chicken, but fast and easy?”

That question lit a fire in our kitchen.

What began as a casual test turned into a full-blown obsession. We tried every mix of flour, spice, oil temp, and prep trick we could think of. Eventually, we struck gold. With white pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cornstarch, we found the ideal balance—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and bursting with that signature KFC-style flavor.

We casually shared it on our About page to give readers a taste of what we’re all about. But within days, it took off. Home cooks from across the U.S. were tagging us in photos, writing reviews, and even scaling the recipe for large gatherings, searching for the perfect KFC chicken recipe for 50 pieces or wanting to try a KFC-style air fryer version.

One fan even called it “the closest thing to Kentucky Fried Chicken you’ll ever make in your own kitchen.”

It’s more than just a recipe. It’s a community favorite and one we’re proud to say continues to earn rave reviews.

Check out another hit recipe: chipotle beef bowl—for another fast, flavor-loaded meal idea.

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KFC Chicken Recipe Ingredients You Already Have

Ingredient List for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

When you’re making quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken, the beauty lies in simplicity. No fancy gadgets, no obscure spices—just bold flavor packed into everyday ingredients that are likely sitting in your kitchen right now. This copycat recipe breaks it down into three major stages: marinade, wet batter, and crispy breading.

Let’s start with the base:
You’ll need 500g of chicken breast, sliced into thin steaks for quick cooking. Thin cuts absorb flavor better and cook evenly, which is key for achieving that crispy outer crust without drying out the inside.

Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken marinade:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red onion powder
• 1/4 tsp white pepper

This simple blend brings depth without overpowering. The white pepper adds subtle heat while smoked paprika brings a touch of smoky warmth, reminiscent of that Kentucky fried chicken recipe original you know and love.

Planning a meal around this? Learn more about seafood lasagna shrimp crab—a crowd-pleaser perfect for pairing.

Pantry Staples for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

What makes a perfect KFC coating? Texture, crunch, and that signature flavor burst. This recipe creates those rough, crispy crags using a blend of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasoning. You’ll build two mixtures: one for wet batter, one for breading.

For the wet batter:

• 46ml all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 40ml water

This sticky mixture helps the dry flour cling to the chicken, creating that thick, craggy crust KFC fans crave. Adding cornstarch here lightens the batter and ensures a crisp finish. If you’ve been asking “how to make quick fried chicken at home,” this batter is your base.

For the breading mix:

• 1 ½ cups (213g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red onion powder
• 1/4 tsp white pepper

This mix is your flavor armor. It forms the crisp, flavorful crust that gives this quick & easy homemade KFC style chicken its wow factor. You’ll also add a bit of the wet batter into this dry mix to form tiny lumps—this is a pro tip for getting that rugged texture that imitates the fried coating from your favorite chicken bucket.

Step-by-Step Guide to Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken at Home

Prepping the Chicken Like a Pro for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

The first move in mastering quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken is treating your chicken right from the start. You’ll want to begin by cutting your 500g of chicken breast into thin, even steaks. Not too thick, not paper-thin—just the perfect cut for quick frying and flavor absorption.

Now here’s where things get real: use the back of a knife, rolling pin, or kitchen mallet to tenderize the chicken steaks. This technique does two things—it breaks down muscle fibers for tenderness, and it lets your marinade soak in deeper and faster. You’re setting the stage for that mouthwatering juiciness we all crave in homemade fried chicken.

Once flattened, toss the chicken in a quick marinade of salt, smoked paprika, red onion powder, and white pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes. No shortcuts here—this step is crucial for nailing that flavor depth found in real-deal Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken recipe ingredients.

Pro tip: If you’re prepping for a big group, you can double or triple this easily. It’s even adaptable to a Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken recipe for 50 pieces—perfect for parties or football Sundays.

Mixing the Marinade and Wet Batter Properly for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

While your chicken is soaking in flavor, it’s time to build the foundation of that iconic Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken coating.

In one bowl, combine:

• 46ml all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 40ml water

Whisk until smooth and just a little sticky. This wet batter is the glue that binds the breading to the meat. You’ll dip the marinated chicken here first, so every inch gets a good coating. Want to know how Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken is made? This sticky step right here is one of the secrets.

Set that bowl aside, and move to the breading station. In a separate bowl, mix:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp of each: salt, smoked paprika, red onion powder, white pepper

Now, here’s the real trick: take a spoonful or two of the wet batter and sprinkle it into the flour mix. Use a fork to stir it lightly—just enough to form small clumps. These uneven bits are what give the chicken those crispy peaks and edges when fried. This step mimics the KFC coating recipe texture better than any flour-only mix.

If you’ve ever looked up “how to make Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken at home using corn flour,” this is your moment. While we’re using cornstarch here, you could swap for corn flour in the breading if desired—it’ll still give a crunchy edge, though slightly different in bite.

Looking for something sweet to follow this meal? Try our smores brownies recipe to close your homemade KFC dinner with a bang.

How to Bread Chicken Like KFC for That Signature Crunch

Mastering the Crispy Coating with Cornstarch for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

If you’re chasing that Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken crunch, breading isn’t just a step—it’s the moment of truth. What makes this version of quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken truly deliver is the use of cornstarch in the flour mix. This secret weapon gives your coating that light, brittle crunch that shatters with every bite.

Here’s how to do it right:

Start by dunking each marinated chicken slice into the prepared wet batter. Let any excess drip off—it should be coated but not dripping. Next, press the chicken firmly into the seasoned flour-cornstarch mixture. You’re not just coating here—you’re embedding that batter into the mix to create a thick, flaky shell. Use your hands to press it in well.

But here’s where we elevate the crunch: add spoonfuls of the wet batter right into your flour bowl and lightly stir with a fork. This creates irregular little clusters that mimic KFC’s rugged fried coating. When fried, those clusters puff and crisp up, giving you the KFC chicken texture people try so hard to replicate at home.

Let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack for about 5–10 minutes before frying. This short pause allows the breading to stick better and firm up so it doesn’t slide off during cooking.

Many home cooks ask, “How can I get my fried chicken crispy like KFC?” This technique is the difference-maker.

Looking for a satisfying dish to balance the meal? Don’t miss our cheesy garlic butter linguine beef—rich, bold, and just right as a comfort side.

Why This Breading Technique Works for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

Want to know why this method delivers? It’s all about how cornstarch and flour behave when they hit hot oil.

All-purpose flour gives the base. It browns well but can turn soft if not used properly. That’s where cornstarch comes in—it slows down gluten formation, giving you a thinner, crispier crust that doesn’t get soggy. The result? That trademark crunch you recognize from the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe original.

By blending a bit of the wet batter into the dry coating, you create small, uneven flour pockets that crisp and lift as they cook—giving you that deep-fried texture you just can’t get with plain breading.

So next time you search “recipe for KFC chicken coating” or “how to fry chicken like KFC,” remember: It’s not just the ingredients—it’s the method that matters.

This same breading approach works perfectly whether you’re deep frying or making a homemade KFC chicken air fryer version. That’s the beauty of this flexible technique—it adapts while still giving you that satisfying crunch.

Need more crowd-pleasing flavor? Explore our garlic butter salmon spinach mushrooms for a buttery, rich side that rounds out any comfort food plate.

Secrets to Frying Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Perfectly Every Time

Ideal Oil Temperature and Timing Explained for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

Now that your chicken is coated to perfection, it’s time to fry. This part is crucial—mess up the temperature, and you’ll either burn the outside or end up with soggy, greasy chicken. But don’t worry, getting it right is simple when you know what to watch for.

Heat your oil to 180°C (356°F). Use a thermometer if you can. This is the sweet spot for frying—hot enough to crisp the coating quickly, but not so hot that the inside cooks too fast or unevenly.

Once your oil reaches the right temp, gently lower in 2–3 pieces of chicken at a time. Avoid crowding the pan, which drops the temperature and causes soggy results. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the outside is a rich, golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).

This exact method delivers that irresistible exterior crunch you expect from a perfect Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken recipe, with moist, juicy meat inside every time.

After frying each batch, wait 2–3 minutes before adding the next. This lets the oil recover its heat. Skipping this pause is one of the most common mistakes people make when learning how to make quick fried chicken at home.

If your oil has crumbs building up, don’t panic—just strain it through a fine mesh sieve between batches. This keeps burned bits out of your next round and helps preserve that clean, classic KFC taste.

Looking for something warm and cozy to serve with your chicken? Discover our cozy chicken vermicelli soup delight—a soothing side for crisp, hot fried chicken.

Common Mistakes When Frying Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Chicken

Even with the best recipe, frying mistakes can wreck your results. Here are the biggest pitfalls—and how to dodge them:

1. Skipping the oil thermometer
Frying by guesswork leads to uneven cooking. Invest in a basic kitchen thermometer—it’s worth it.

2. Crowding the pan
Overloading lowers oil temp fast. The result? Gummy, undercooked crust. Fry in small batches instead.

3. Not letting the breading rest
If you fry too soon after breading, your coating may slide off. A 5-minute rest helps it stick firmly.

4. Reusing dirty oil
Old or overused oil carries burnt crumbs, which make your chicken taste bitter. Filter between batches, or swap in fresh oil if needed.

5. Skipping the paper towel rest
Once your chicken’s done, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain extra oil. This keeps it crisp and prevents greasiness.

You’d be surprised how often these simple tweaks turn good chicken into great chicken. When you follow this guide, your quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken won’t just taste right—it’ll look the part too.

Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Variations You Must Try

Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken in the Air Fryer

Love fried chicken but trying to cut back on oil? You’re not alone. One of the most searched phrases lately is “Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken air fryer”—and yes, it’s possible to get that golden crunch without deep frying. This air fryer variation delivers all the crispy goodness of traditional quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken, but with less mess and less fat.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Follow the exact same prep steps—marinate, batter, and coat your chicken using the standard recipe.
2. Lightly spray both the air fryer basket and the coated chicken with cooking oil spray. This helps the crust get that golden crunch.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
4. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thicker cuts may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
5. Check for doneness (internal temp should be 165°F) and serve hot!

The air fryer method is ideal when you’re craving the texture of Kentucky Fried Chicken without committing to a pot of hot oil. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prep—you can batch-cook and reheat in minutes while keeping that crunch alive.

Searching for a side dish that’s equally satisfying? Don’t miss our unstuffed pepper skillet—loaded with flavor and ready in one pan.

Feeding a Crowd: Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Recipe for 50 Pieces

Whether it’s a block party, family reunion, game day, or church supper, sometimes you need more than a weeknight dinner. If you’re planning to scale your recipe, this KFC chicken recipe for 50 pieces guide has you covered.

First, multiply the core ingredients by 10 (for about 5kg of chicken). Use a large container or food-safe tub to marinate the meat in bulk. It’s best to split your prep into smaller batches when it comes to frying so that the oil stays hot and each piece gets proper attention.

Here’s a simple batching schedule:

Step	Batch Size	Fry Time
Marinate Chicken	All 50 pieces at once	30 min
Breading & Batter	10–15 pieces at a time	5–7 min per batch
Frying	3–4 pieces per pan (multiple pans if available)	Rotate as needed

Make sure you rest each batch on a rack or towel to drain oil, and sift the oil between rounds. With a little planning and patience, you can feed a hungry crowd and still serve up crisp, juicy chicken that rivals any KFC bucket.

Pro tip: Serve with homemade biscuits or coleslaw to stretch the meal further without cooking double.

How Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Is Made: Real Talk

What Is KFC Type Chicken Called?

If you’ve ever searched “what is KFC type chicken called,” you’re not alone. The answer? It’s technically known as Southern-style fried chicken, but it’s so closely associated with KFC that many just refer to it as KFC-style or Kentucky fried chicken. What sets it apart isn’t just the spices—it’s the preparation technique.

KFC chicken is famous for being pressure-fried, a process that seals in juices while crisping the outer layer. But don’t worry—you can absolutely recreate the KFC type chicken texture using a traditional frying pan or an air fryer at home. The secret lies in the marination, breading layers, and the cooking temperature.

This style of chicken features a bold mix of herbs and spices blended into both the batter and the breading. While KFC guards its “11 herbs and spices” like a trade secret, home cooks have been reverse-engineering it for decades—and recipes like this one come impressively close.

Looking for more crispy goodness? Discover great ideas like our crispy-irresistible crack chicken tenders—a must-try for fried chicken lovers.

How Many People Know the Actual Quick & Easy Homemade KFC-Style Chicken Recipe?

KFC’s original recipe is famously top secret. Legend has it, only two executives at a time know the full details, and the written version is locked in a vault. That mystery is part of what made Kentucky Fried Chicken such a global sensation.

But even though the exact list of 11 herbs and spices is hush-hush, people have come incredibly close. Food scientists, bloggers, and YouTube cooks have all developed their own versions—and this quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken recipe is based on those tests, refined with real kitchen feedback.

The ingredients used here—white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, cornstarch, and flour—deliver a familiar punch, even without knowing the Colonel’s exact mix. And guess what? Most folks agree the homemade version tastes just as good, if not better, because you control the quality of the chicken and the oil.

Serve It Right: Sides & Sauces for Your Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

Must-Have Sides That Make Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken a Meal

You’ve pulled off the perfect quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. But no great chicken dinner is complete without a supporting cast. The right sides bring balance, texture, and satisfaction to your plate.

Let’s break down some classic and creative sides that pair like a dream:

Side Option	Why It Belongs
Creamy Mashed Potatoes	Soft and buttery—perfect with crunchy chicken
Classic Coleslaw	Adds a cool, tangy crunch to balance spices
Golden Cornbread or Biscuits	Great for soaking up sauces and juices
Mac & Cheese	Rich, creamy, and family-approved every time
Crispy Seasoned Fries	Simple and satisfying with extra crunch

These aren’t just filler—they’re the finishing touch to your Kentucky fried chicken recipe experience. Want to go lighter? Serve it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans for contrast.

For another easy comfort food idea, check out our creamed cabbage ground beef casserole—rich, hearty, and a surprise crowd-pleaser.

Homemade Sauces That Take It Over the Top

What truly elevates homemade fried chicken? The dips.

The Colonel had his secret spices, but you’ve got the power to whip up bold, flavorful sauces in your own kitchen. Here are four simple homemade sauce ideas to match your KFC-style masterpiece:

1. Zesty Ranch Herb Dip
Stir together ranch dressing with chopped chives, dill, and a splash of lemon juice. It cools the heat and adds a fresh herbal punch.

2. Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce
Mix barbecue sauce with honey, a pinch of garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Perfect for dipping or brushing on top.

3. Spicy Buffalo Butter
Melt butter and combine with your favorite hot sauce. Dip the chicken straight in while it’s hot for a fiery kick.

4. Creamy Southern Pepper Mayo
Blend mayonnaise, cracked black pepper, onion powder, and a dash of vinegar. It’s smooth, sharp, and made for crispy bites.

These sauces take just minutes to make but bring maximum flavor—and yes, they’ll give fast food sauce packets a serious run for their money. You’re not just making fried chicken—you’re building a meal experience.

For another wow-worthy dinner idea, don’t miss our cheeseburger pie inspired by Pioneer Woman—easy to make and always a hit at the table.

Mastering the Art: Final Tips for Perfect Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken Every Time

Choosing Between Corn Flour and Cornstarch for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

If you’re aiming to replicate that classic KFC-style chicken crunch at home, one question is bound to come up:
Should you use corn flour or cornstarch in your coating?

The short answer: go with cornstarch.

Cornstarch is lighter and crisper by nature. When added to your flour mix, it reduces the amount of gluten in the breading and helps produce a thin, crispy crust—the kind you expect in quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken. It fries up beautifully golden and delivers that signature flaky texture with every bite.

Corn flour, by contrast, is much denser and can make your coating a bit gritty or heavy. Some recipes may include a bit of both for added structure, but if your goal is that airy, crunchy shell like Kentucky Fried Chicken, cornstarch is the real MVP.

So, next time you’re wondering how to create the perfect Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken recipe coating, trust the cornstarch—it’s the not-so-secret weapon for that crave-worthy crunch.

How to Keep Leftover Fried Chicken Crispy for Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken

You made a killer batch of fried chicken and now you’ve got leftovers. Great news—your Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken doesn’t have to go soggy overnight.

Here’s how to store and reheat it the right way:

Let it cool first
Before tossing leftovers into the fridge, make sure the chicken is fully cooled. If you box it up while it’s still warm, the trapped steam will soften the breading and ruin the texture.

Use breathable containers
Place the chicken in a container lined with paper towels and leave the lid slightly ajar. This keeps the crust dry and lets air circulate while preventing moisture buildup.

Reheat with care
Avoid the microwave—it zaps moisture unevenly and turns the crust to mush. Instead, use the oven: preheat to 375°F, lay your chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and reheat for 10–12 minutes. You can also pop it in the air fryer at 370°F for about 5–6 minutes.

Need it fast?
Heat a skillet with a small splash of oil and pan-crisp it on medium. Flip until heated through and the crust regains its bite.

With these steps, your quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken will stay crispy, juicy, and delicious—even the next day.engoy this recipe Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken and tray this : Honey Chicken

The Best Homemade KFC Chicken—Crispy, Easy & Irresistible

If you’ve been craving that signature crunch and bold flavor of KFC but want to keep it homemade, this quick and easy homemade KFC style chicken recipe is your new go-to. With simple ingredients, smart frying techniques, and the option to air-fry, you can whip up chicken that looks—and tastes—just like the real thing.

From tenderizing and seasoning to breading and perfect frying, each step brings you closer to that satisfying, crispy bite. Whether you’re cooking for two or prepping a feast for 50, this recipe scales beautifully, stores well, and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and sauces.

And remember—homemade doesn’t mean settling. With this guide, you’re getting restaurant-quality fried chicken, made in your kitchen, on your terms.

Watch How to Make Quick and Easy Homemade KFC Style Chicken