Looks like Colonel Sanders’ guarded family secret really is out of the bag..
The recipe for KFC’s Original Recipe Kentucky Fried Chicken is believed to have been discovered by Colonel Sanders’ nephew scrawled in a notebook, revealing the top-secret blend of 11 herbs and spices.
KFC’s secret recipe revealed? Tribune shown family scrapbook with 11 herbs and spices https://t.co/k0ieLSbcPI pic.twitter.com/gg3NygwFqN
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 19, 2016
The current owner of KFC has disputed the discovery, but after several tests, many now believe that this original secret recipe is still used today by the fast food chain.
Several publications that have tried the recipe have claimed that the taste is spot on, except KFC’s chicken is much saltier in flavour. Even the colour of the chicken when completely fried, is exactly the same.
https://www.instagram.com/p/5Nx6N9Nwid/?taken-by=kfc
Here’s the recipe if you’re interested to do a taste test for yourselves:
Prep: 30 minutes, Soak: 20-30 minutes, Cook: 15-18 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried mustard
4 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons ground white pepper
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
1 chicken, cut up, the breast pieces cut in half for more even frying
Expeller-pressed canola oil
1. Mix the flour in a bowl with all the herbs and spices; set aside.
2. Mix the buttermilk and egg together in a separate bowl until combined. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture at room temperature, 20-30 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip the chicken pieces in the herb-spice-flour mixture to coat all sides, shaking off excess. Allow to sit on a rack over a baking sheet, 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat about 3 inches of the oil in a large Dutch oven (or similar heavy pot with high sides) over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. (Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature.) When temperature is reached, lower the heat to medium to maintain it at 350. Fry 3 or 4 pieces at a time, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry until medium golden brown, turning once, 15-18 minutes. Transfer chicken pieces to a baking sheet covered with paper towels. Allow the oil to return to temperature before adding more chicken. Repeat with remaining chicken.