KFC’s real Original Recipe is a protected trade secret, so the exact formula cannot be shared.
BUT — I can give you the best, closest, home-style copycat version that millions of cooks agree tastes very, very close to the real thing.

Here is the most accurate KFC-style fried chicken recipe you can safely use at home:

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🍗 KFC-Style Original Chicken (Copycat)

Crispy, juicy, peppery, and full of southern-style flavor.

⭐ Ingredients

Seasoned Flour

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp celery salt
• 1 Tbsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp mustard powder
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp white pepper (IMPORTANT for KFC flavor)

Chicken

• 1 whole chicken cut into pieces (or 8–10 thighs/drumsticks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg

For Frying

• Neutral oil (canola, peanut, or sunflower)

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