KFC is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world. While many amateur cooks have tried to replicate the 11 herbs and spices used in their famous fried chicken with little to no success, these copycat recipes will bring you closer to recreating your favorite KFC dishes at home.
21 Irresistible KFC Copycat Recipes
Updated on May 14, 2024
Best-Ever Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom’s deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia
KFC chicken is so delicious, they’ve even introduced a new chicken product: KFC chicken wraps.
1/21
2/21
Inspired By: KFC Mac and Cheese
Total Time
145 mins
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
3/21
Inspired By: KFC Sweet N' Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
4/21
Inspired By: KFC Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 497 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 693mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
5/21
Inspired By: KFC Green Beans
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 72 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
6/21
Inspired By: KFC Hot Wings
Total Time
145 mins
Servings
2 dozen (1-3/4 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
These fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 237 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
7/21
Contest-Winning Moist Chocolate Cake
Total Time
60 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to spend a lot of time to serve an elegant and delicious dessert. Just mix up the batter in one bowl, bake and get ready for people to love this moist dark chocolate cake recipe. —Christa Hageman, Telford, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 315 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/21
Inspired By: KFC Grilled Chicken
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
9/21
Inspired By: KFC Coleslaw
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
10/21
Inspired By: KFC Biscuits
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young, my mom would make these biscuits with fresh cream she got from a local farmer. I don't go to those lengths, but the family recipe is still a real treat. —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 256 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/21
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/21
Quick & Easy Honey Mustard
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/21
Parmesan Potato Wedges
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recommend serving these Parmesan potato wedges alongside a salad for a light lunch or serving them as a side dish with a chicken or beef entree. —Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
4 wedges: 101 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 297mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
14/21
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
15/21
Inspired By: KFC Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 301 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
16/21
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
75 mins
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
We can’t get enough of KFC Chicken Pot Pie inspired recipes.
17/21
Contest-Winning Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken (calculated without Liquid Smoke): 471 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 2062mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
18/21
Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
1-3/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
19/21
Inspired By: KFC Chicken Strips
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 194 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
20/21
Barbecue Sauce with Mustard
Total Time
15 mins
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Say no to ho-hum barbecue. Add some zing to chicken or pork with our sauce. —Charlie and Ruthie Knote, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 60 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/21
Honey-Mustard Breaded Chicken
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get bored with the same old breaded chicken, so I came up with this simple recipe. The coating adds fast flavor to tender chicken cooked on the stovetop. —Laura Theofilis, Leonardtown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 338 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
