KFC chicken gets its distinctive qualities from a combination of marinating, breading, seasoning, and a specific frying process.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
- Marination: The chicken is marinated in buttermilk. This tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture.
- Breading: A mixture of flour and KFC's signature blend of 11 herbs and spices coats the chicken. The recipe for this spice blend is a closely guarded secret, contributing heavily to KFC's unique flavor.
- Seasoning: The specific blend of herbs and spices is a critical component. While the exact recipe is unknown, it's the unique combination that sets KFC apart.
- Frying Process: KFC uses two different frying methods, depending on the chicken recipe:
- Original Recipe: Chicken is pressure fried. This method cooks the chicken quickly and evenly, creating a juicy interior.
- Extra Crispy: Chicken is open fried, resulting in a crispy exterior.
In summary, it is the combination of buttermilk marination, a unique blend of 11 herbs and spices in the breading, and either open or pressure frying that creates the signature KFC chicken.
