KFC Reveals Secrets Behind Its 'Finger Lickin' Good' Fried Chicken

KFC attributes its famed "finger lickin' good" fried chicken to a combination of a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, a perfected breading technique, and the use of commercial pressure fryers. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company emphasizes that its chicken is prepared "the hard way," with each piece hand-breaded and freshly cooked.

Colonel Harland Sanders, the chain's founder, reportedly spent nine years developing the unique spice blend and cooking method that KFC still utilizes today. The recipe is famously guarded, with KFC stating that the original handwritten recipe is kept in a vault. Some accounts suggest the spice mix is prepared in separate locations before being blended by a third party to maintain its secrecy.

The Breading and Cooking Process

KFC has outlined a specific breading technique, dubbed "7-10-7," which involves a multi-step process to ensure an optimal flour-to-chicken ratio. Chicken pieces are first rinsed to remove excess moisture before being rolled seven times in a basket. They are then tossed in the breading flour ten times using a "scoop and lift" motion, followed by seven presses into the flour.

Following breading, the chicken is cooked in commercial pressure fryers. This method is credited with quickly cooking the chicken, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the meat moist. The pieces are arranged in stainless steel clamshell baskets in a specific "racking" layout, designed by Sanders, to ensure even cooking without overlapping. This allows different parts of the chicken, like the breast and drumstick, to cook simultaneously and uniformly.

A Legacy of Flavor

The first KFC franchise opened in Utah in 1952. Today, the chain operates more than 31,000 locations in 150 countries and territories worldwide. Colonel Sanders died in 1980, but his image and original recipe remain central to the brand's identity. While various claims about the exact recipe have surfaced over the years, including one from Sanders' nephew in 2016, KFC has consistently maintained that these attempts have been inaccurate.