KFC is one of the most famous fast-food chains worldwide. Their “finger-lickin’ good” fried chicken entices millions of people every day. But what makes their fried chicken so tasty and different from others? How do they manage to keep their chicken consistently crispy outside and juicy inside?
The answer lies in their secret recipe and cooking method that has been perfected over the years. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind KFC’s fried chicken, exploring the ingredients used, the breading process, and the cooking techniques to get the perfect fried chicken flavor. Whether you’re a fast-food fan or a cooking enthusiast, you’ll find something interesting to learn about how KFC fries their chicken.
The process of pressure frying
KFC’s unique taste comes from their signature pressure frying cooking process. The process starts with marinating the chicken in a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Once the chicken is marinated, it is coated in a batter mixture that sticks to the meat and provides an extra layer of flavor.
The pressure frying technique that KFC uses is a combination of deep frying and pressure cooking. The chicken is first placed in a pressure fryer that is filled with oil and sealed. The fryer then cooks the chicken by heating it to a specific temperature and applying pressure to it, allowing for a faster cooking time. The pressure helps to infuse the flavors deep into the meat, giving it a juicy and flavorful taste. This process allows KFC to serve their famous crispy fried chicken with minimal oil and in a shorter amount of time.
Ingredients used in KFC’s chicken recipe
KFC’s chicken recipe is a well-kept secret, but some ingredients have been revealed. The most crucial ingredient in their chicken recipe is the blend of 11 spices, which includes salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper. This blend gives KFC’s chicken its unique flavor and crunchy texture.
Apart from the prominent blend of spices, KFC also uses a mix of flour, cornstarch, and various seasonings to coat their chicken before frying it. The chicken is then deep-fried in oil until it’s thoroughly cooked and crispy. Furthermore, KFC uses marinating techniques to make their chicken moist, flavorful, and tender. The recipe also incorporates other ingredients, such as baking powder, buttermilk, and egg, to add an extra layer of taste and texture. While the complete list of ingredients in KFC’s chicken recipe is still a mystery, their blend of spice and seasonings is the trademark of the flavor of the Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The importance of marination
The importance of marination in the process of frying chicken at KFC cannot be overstated. This is because marination is the key to ensuring that the chicken is flavorful and tender after it has been fried. At KFC, the chicken is marinated for several hours in a mix of spices and other ingredients before it is fried. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor, making it more tasty and appealing to customers.
Moreover, marination also has a functional purpose in the frying process. When chicken is marinated, it becomes more tender, which means that it will cook more evenly and will not dry out during the frying process. This is important because dry chicken is unappetizing and does not provide customers with the satisfying experience they expect from KFC. So, by marinating the chicken before frying it, KFC is able to ensure that every piece of chicken that they serve is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
The role of spices in the breading mix
The spices used in KFC’s breading mix are what give their chicken its signature taste and aroma. KFC uses a blend of 11 herbs and spices, which is a closely guarded secret. The spices include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt, among others.
The breading mix is also seasoned with other ingredients like salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. KFC’s use of a variety of herbs and spices in their breading mix is what makes their chicken distinct and popular worldwide. The spices help to infuse the meat, creating a flavorful and juicy chicken that customers keep coming back for.
The science behind crispy skin
Achieving crispy skin on fried chicken is a delicate science that involves a few key factors. Firstly, the coating applied to the chicken plays a crucial role in the crispiness of the skin. KFC uses a seasoned flour mixture, which is made up of 11 herbs and spices. The flour is then combined with a blend of dry milk, salt, and MSG, creating the signature crispy coating.
Secondly, the frying temperature is critical to achieving crispy skin. A temperature between 350-375°F is optimal for frying chicken. This high temperature helps to create a quick sear on the outside of the chicken, creating a crust that is both crispy and flavorful. Lastly, the length of time the chicken spends in the fryer is also critical. KFC’s process involves frying the chicken for around 12-15 minutes, which is enough time to fully cook the chicken and create a crispy crust without burning it. With the perfect blend of seasoning, temperatures, and timing, KFC has managed to create their well-loved crispy fried chicken every time.
An overview of KFC’s frying equipment
KFC is known for its delicious and crispy fried chicken, and one of the secrets to its success lies in its frying equipment. The fast-food chain uses pressure fryers to cook its chicken to perfection. These machines ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and quickly at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Another important feature of KFC’s frying equipment is the use of a special blend of herbs and spices in the breading, which adds a unique flavor to the chicken. The pressure fryers also use a specially formulated oil that is low in trans fats and high in oleic acid, making it a healthier option compared to other oils used for frying. KFC’s frying equipment is an integral part of its success and has helped the chain maintain its reputation for serving delicious and high-quality fried chicken.
Quality control measures for KFC’s fried chicken.
KFC has established strict quality control measures to ensure that their fried chicken is consistently of the highest quality. At every stage of the process, from sourcing the chickens to cooking and serving the final product, KFC’s quality control team ensures that the chicken meets the company’s high standards. The team ensures that only fresh, high-quality chickens are used and that they are sourced from trusted suppliers who meet KFC’s ethical and safety standards.
Once the chickens arrive at the restaurant, they are carefully inspected before being cooked to ensure that only the best pieces are used. The cooking process is also monitored closely, with strict guidelines in place to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection every time. In addition to this, KFC implements regular quality checks to ensure that the food is consistently delicious and meets the company’s high standards. These quality control measures ensure that every piece of KFC’s fried chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, making KFC a top choice for fried chicken lovers.
Final Thoughts
KFC uses a unique cooking process to fry their chicken that is different from other fast-food chains. This process includes pressure cooking the chicken to lock in flavor and moisture before being coated in their famous 11 herbs and spices seasoning and fried. Additionally, KFC has worked to incorporate sustainable and ethical practices into their supply chains, ensuring that their chickens are raised and slaughtered responsibly.
Overall, KFC’s cooking methods and commitment to sustainability make their fried chicken a standout option in the fast-food industry. While it may not be the healthiest option, it is certainly a delicious one that has become a cultural icon. So the next time you take a bite into a KFC chicken wing, keep in mind the unique cooking process and ethical considerations that go into making it.