Copycat KFC Seasoning

Who doesn’t love the crispy, flavorful goodness of KFC’s chicken? That secret blend of herbs and spices is a thing of legend. Well, good news—now you can make it at home! With this Copycat KFC Seasoning, you can recreate the magic of KFC’s famous fried chicken right in your own kitchen. And the best part? You can use this seasoning on so much more than just chicken!

Imagine a crispy fried chicken coated in this flavorful mix, or even sprinkling it over fries, potatoes, or roasted vegetables for that irresistible KFC flavor anytime. Whether you’re frying up some chicken or adding an extra kick to your meals, this seasoning will bring all the comfort-food vibes right to your plate. Get ready to make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love Copycat KFC Seasoning

Here’s why you’ll love making this seasoning yourself:

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: This seasoning mix brings that signature KFC taste straight to your kitchen. Crispy, savory, and oh-so-flavorful!
• Super Easy to Make: It’s just a matter of mixing a few pantry ingredients. No need to worry about fancy gadgets or hard-to-find spices.
• Versatile: While it’s perfect for fried chicken, you can also sprinkle it on vegetables, potatoes, fries, popcorn—anything that could use a little extra flavor!
• Customizable: Want it spicier? Add more cayenne. Need it milder? Skip the heat and use just the herbs. You’re in control!
• Budget-Friendly: Why spend extra on store-bought seasoning blends when you can make this at home for a fraction of the cost? Plus, it lasts a while, so it’s a great staple to have on hand.

Ingredients

Making this seasoning at home is as simple as mixing a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry:

• Salt: The base of the seasoning, adding the essential savory element.
• Pepper: A little black pepper brings in some heat and balance to the blend.
• Garlic Powder: This gives the seasoning that signature savory, slightly sweet flavor that’s essential in KFC chicken.
• Onion Powder: A subtle hint of onion flavor rounds out the seasoning profile.
• Paprika: Adds depth and color to the seasoning. It also brings a touch of smokiness.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor to the blend.
• Dried Basil: For a slightly sweet, peppery note that’s key in creating that KFC taste.
• Dried Mustard: Adds a tangy and subtle sharpness to the mix.
• Cayenne Pepper: A dash of cayenne gives the seasoning a bit of heat—adjust according to your preference.
• Thyme: A tiny bit of thyme enhances the overall flavor and gives the seasoning that authentic KFC vibe.
• Celery Salt: A surprising ingredient that adds a unique depth to the seasoning mix.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this seasoning is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl, measure out all the ingredients—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, basil, mustard, cayenne, thyme, and celery salt.

2. Mix Well

Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed. Give it a taste to make sure it has the perfect balance of flavors. Feel free to adjust the cayenne if you want it spicier or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.

3. Store for Later

Once your seasoning is mixed, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it’ll keep for up to 6 months. You’ll have this KFC-inspired seasoning ready to go anytime you need it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Makes about 10 servings (depending on how much seasoning you use)
Calories per serving: 5-10 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Copycat KFC Seasoning

This seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

• Fried Chicken: Of course, the best way to use it is on fried chicken. Coat your chicken with a mixture of flour and this seasoning before frying to get that crispy, flavorful exterior.
• Grilled Chicken: Sprinkle it on grilled chicken for a savory, herby kick.
• Potatoes & Fries: Toss some cut potatoes or fries in olive oil and this seasoning, then bake or fry them for a KFC-inspired side dish.
• Popcorn: Add a sprinkle of this seasoning on freshly popped popcorn for a flavorful snack.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss carrots, potatoes, or even cauliflower in a bit of olive oil and this seasoning, then roast for a flavorful, crispy side dish.
• In Soups & Stews: Add it to your soups, stews, or even homemade gravies to give them extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Double or Triple the Recipe: Make a big batch and keep it on hand for whenever you need to add a burst of flavor to your meals.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to leave out the cayenne or reduce it to a pinch.
• Use as a Rub: This seasoning mix works great as a rub for chicken or other meats. Just rub it on and let it marinate for a few hours before cooking.
• Experiment with More Mix-ins: You can add other spices like ground ginger, coriander, or cumin for a unique twist on the classic KFC flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use this seasoning for fried chicken in an air fryer?
A1: Yes! This seasoning works just as well in the air fryer. Simply coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture and cook according to your air fryer’s instructions.

Q2: How do I use this seasoning for fried chicken?
A2: For fried chicken, mix the seasoning with flour (about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per cup of flour), then dip your chicken pieces in a beaten egg before coating them in the seasoned flour. Fry until crispy and golden!

Q3: Can I make this seasoning salt-free?
A3: Yes, simply leave out the salt and adjust the other seasonings to your taste. You may need to add a pinch of salt later when cooking, depending on your preference.

Q4: Can I use this seasoning on other meats?
A4: Absolutely! This seasoning works wonderfully on pork, beef, and even fish. It’s a great all-purpose seasoning for savory dishes.

Q5: How long does the seasoning last?
A5: If stored properly in an airtight container, this seasoning will last up to 6 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Q6: Can I adjust the spice level of this seasoning?
A6: Yes, you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more; if you prefer it mild, skip it altogether.

Q7: Can I use this seasoning for vegetables?
A7: Definitely! Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, fries, or even popcorn for a delicious flavor boost.

Q8: Can I use this seasoning in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes, this seasoning works well in a slow cooker. Rub it on your meat before cooking or mix it into sauces for extra flavor.

Q9: Can I make this seasoning without celery salt?
A9: Celery salt is a key ingredient for authenticity, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute regular salt and a pinch of ground celery seed.

Q10: How much seasoning should I use per serving?
A10: For fried chicken, use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per cup of flour. For other dishes, start with a teaspoon or two and adjust according to your taste.

Conclusion

This Copycat KFC Seasoning is your ticket to replicating that irresistible flavor at home, and the best part is, you don’t need a secret recipe to do it! With just a few pantry staples, you can create a seasoning mix that’s perfect for fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and so much more. It’s easy, customizable, and budget-friendly—what’s not to love? Make a batch today and take your meals to the next level with this delicious seasoning blend.

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