KFC Extra Crispy

KFC Extra Crispy Recipe - Made with Chicken, Shortening, Egg, Milk, and Spices

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

KFC Extra Crispy is a popular fried chicken recipe known for its deliciously crispy coating and juicy meat. This recipe is a favorite among many fried chicken lovers and can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients.

History

KFC Extra Crispy was first introduced by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) as a variation of their original fried chicken recipe. The extra crispy coating was created to provide a crunchier texture and more flavorful experience for customers who prefer a crispier fried chicken.

Ingredients

1 whole frying chicken, cut up and marinated
6 to 8 cups of shortening for cooking
1 beaten egg
1 cup of milk
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2.5 tsp of salt
0.75 tsp of pepper
0.75 tsp of msg
0.13 tsp of paprika
0.13 tsp of garlic powder
0.13 tsp of baking powder

How to prepare

Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces.
Preheat the shortening in a deep-fryer to 350°F (177°C).
Combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl.
In another medium bowl, combine the remaining coating ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, and msg.
When the chicken has marinated, transfer each piece to paper towels to allow excess liquid to drain off.
Working with one piece at a time, first dip it in the egg and milk mixture, then coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, then dip it again in the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat it with flour.
Make sure to generously coat each piece.
Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated.
Drop the chicken, one piece at a time, into the hot shortening.
Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 12-15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Make sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Remove the chicken and place it on a rack or towels to drain for about 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture.
For a healthier option, try baking the chicken instead of frying it.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces before coating and frying.

- Preheat the shortening to the correct temperature (350°F) to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

- Coat each piece of chicken generously with the flour mixture to achieve a crispy and flavorful coating.

- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

- Drain the fried chicken on a rack or paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve KFC Extra Crispy with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of shortening for frying.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the KFC Extra Crispy chicken on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair KFC Extra Crispy with a cold glass of sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Approximately 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Approximately 30g per serving

Fats

Approximately 20g per serving

Proteins

Approximately 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

KFC Extra Crispy is a good source of iron and niacin.

Alergens

Contains wheat, eggs, and milk

Summary

KFC Extra Crispy is a high-protein, high-fat dish with moderate carbohydrate content. It is a good source of iron and niacin but should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie and fat content.

Summary

KFC Extra Crispy is a delicious fried chicken recipe that is easy to make at home. With a crispy coating and juicy meat, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this Southern classic with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Louisville, Kentucky. My mother had taken me to the local Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner one evening, and as we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but marvel at the deliciously crispy chicken in front of me.

I asked my mother how they made it so crispy and flavorful, and she smiled and told me that it was a closely guarded secret recipe. From that moment on, I was determined to uncover the mystery behind KFC's Extra Crispy chicken.

As I grew older, my passion for cooking only grew stronger. I spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate that perfect crispy chicken that had captivated me as a child. I studied cookbooks, watched cooking shows, and even attended culinary classes to hone my skills.

But it wasn't until I befriended an elderly woman in my neighborhood that I finally got a lead on the elusive KFC Extra Crispy recipe. Mrs. Jenkins had worked at a local KFC in her younger years, and she hinted that she may have come across the secret recipe during her time there.

I was ecstatic. Mrs. Jenkins invited me over for tea one afternoon, and as we chatted over homemade biscuits and sweet tea, I mustered up the courage to ask her about the recipe. To my surprise, she agreed to share it with me.

She rummaged through an old recipe box and pulled out a faded yellow piece of paper. On it was scrawled a list of ingredients and instructions for making KFC's Extra Crispy chicken. I couldn't believe my eyes. Mrs. Jenkins explained that she had written it down from memory after leaving her job at KFC many years ago.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to keep the recipe a secret. With the precious recipe in hand, I rushed home to my kitchen, eager to try it out for myself.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work. I marinated the chicken pieces in a blend of herbs and spices, just as the recipe instructed. I then coated them in a special flour mixture and fried them to a golden crisp.

As the chicken sizzled in the hot oil, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. The smell of herbs and spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I took a bite of the crispy chicken and closed my eyes in bliss. It was as if I had unearthed a hidden treasure. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, with a crunchy exterior that gave way to tender, juicy meat.

I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family and friends. I invited them over for a KFC-inspired feast, serving up platters of crispy chicken alongside all the fixings. The look of delight on their faces as they bit into the chicken made all my hard work worth it.

From that day on, KFC's Extra Crispy recipe became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a quiet night at home. And each time, it never failed to impress.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the journey that led me to uncover the secret behind KFC's Extra Crispy chicken, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. It's amazing how a simple recipe can hold so much history and meaning, bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

I may never know the true origins of the KFC Extra Crispy recipe, but I am grateful for the serendipitous chain of events that led me to discover it. And I will continue to cherish it, passing it down to future generations so they too can experience the joy of a perfectly crispy piece of chicken.