KFC Copycat Recipes
KFC's creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish. Our copycat recipe nails that signature sweetness.
8 recipes
KFC's 11 herbs and spices were a closely guarded secret for decades — and then in 2016 a relative of Colonel Sanders accidentally showed a journalist the original handwritten recipe. The leak revealed: salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper. With MSG (or chicken bouillon powder) added separately. That blend in self-rising flour with a buttermilk soak gives you something startlingly close to the original. Our KFC copycats include the Original Recipe chicken, the Coleslaw (which is mostly mayo, sugar, vinegar, and finely-chopped cabbage), the Mashed Potato Bowl, and the chicken sandwich that launched in 2021. Pressure-frying is what KFC actually does in stores; at home, deep-fry at 325°F for a closer texture than baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all 11 herbs and spices?
You can skip ginger and white pepper without ruining it. The non-negotiables: thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic salt, celery salt, MSG (or bouillon). Those five carry the signature flavor.
What's MSG, and is it safe?
Monosodium glutamate — a flavor enhancer that occurs naturally in tomatoes, parmesan, and seaweed. It's well-studied and FDA-recognized as safe. KFC's flavor depth comes from it. Chicken bouillon powder is a substitute (it contains MSG) if you don't want to buy the pure form.
How do I get the breading to stick instead of falling off?
Two-stage breading: dredge in flour, dip in buttermilk, dredge again in seasoned flour. Press firmly. Rest the breaded chicken on a rack for 10 minutes before frying — that lets the breading set.
What makes KFC coleslaw different from deli versions?
The cabbage is chopped fine (1/8 inch dice, not shredded) and the dressing is sweeter and tangier than most: mayo + buttermilk + sugar + lemon juice + white vinegar in roughly equal parts.