Col. Sanders' Style Kentucky Fried Chicken
Colonel Sanders' style Kentucky Fried Chicken features crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a seasoned coating, perfect for hearty family dinners and fried chicken lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe chicken dry.
- Make a paste of the Italian salad dressing mix, flour, salt, lemon juice, and softened butter; brush evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Stack the coated chicken pieces in a bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
- Heat 1/2 inch of salad oil in 2 large skillets until hot.
- Dip each chicken piece in milk, then coat with pancake mix mixed with paprika, sage, and pepper.
- Dust off excess coating.
- Lightly brown the chicken about 4 minutes on each side.
- Place the browned chicken in shallow pans in a single layer.
- Spoon remaining milk over the chicken pieces.
- Seal the pans with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F to crisp the chicken.
- Baste the chicken with milk again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the paste for a more intense taste. If you're out of Italian salad dressing mix, you can create a substitute by mixing dried herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Use canola or vegetable oil for frying if you don't have salad oil. For a gluten-free version, substitute pancake mix with a gluten-free blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Kentucky Fried Chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or corn on the cob for a full Southern experience. It pairs beautifully with Char'S Quick Lemon Pie for dessert, rounding out a satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a light salad, like Pecan Avocado Salad, to balance the richness of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the coating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Col. Sanders' Style Kentucky Fried Chicken contains roughly 421 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken parts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken parts, but keep in mind that the skin adds extra flavor and helps retain moisture. If using skinless pieces, consider increasing the marinating time to enhance the flavor absorption.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the pancake mix. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Another option is to add hot sauce to the milk before dipping the chicken.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).