Ultimate Grilled Chicken Kentucky Style
Experience the mouthwatering flavors of this copycat version of KFC's renowned Kentucky Grilled Chicken. With a perfectly seasoned blend of herbs and spices, this recipe evokes the classic taste you love, but made at home with your own fresh ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a comforting family dinner. Marinated for tenderness and grilled to perfection, each bite promises juicy, flavorful chicken that rivals the best fast-food offerings. This seasoning mix also makes enough for multiple batches, so you can enjoy this delectable grilled chicken anytime you crave it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
premium quality fresh chicken
8-16 pieces (bone-in or boneless)
cold water
4 cups (for brining)
fine sea salt
1 tablespoon (for brining)
Accent seasoning
1 teaspoon (optional seasoning)
instant chicken bouillon powder
1/3 cup (for seasoning blend)
flour
3 tablespoons (for seasoning blend)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for seasoning blend)
nonfat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon (finely crushed, for seasoning blend)
parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
Bulk KFC Original Recipe Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
onion powder
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
ground turmeric
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
finely ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning blend)
canola oil
as needed (for basting)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the marinade: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of cold water and 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt. Stir until dissolved. Immerse the fresh chicken pieces in the brine solution, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance the chicken’s flavor and texture.
2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoning blend. In a large sealable container, add the following ingredients: 1/3 cup instant chicken bouillon powder, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon finely crushed nonfat dry milk powder, 1 teaspoon parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of Bulk KFC Original Recipe Seasoning, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric, and 1/8 teaspoon finely ground white pepper.
3
Seal the container tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until all ingredients are well mixed.
4
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the brine and rinse under cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
5
Preheat your grill or oven. If using an indoor grill, set it to medium-high heat. Lightly baste the chicken with canola oil to ensure a golden crust forms as it cooks.
6
Sprinkle a moderate amount of the prepared seasoning blend on each chicken piece, ensuring it's evenly coated. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to maximize flavor.
7
For boneless chicken: Grill until the surface is well seared. Flip and continue grilling until cooked through, making sure juices run clear.
8
For bone-in chicken: Grill until seared, then transfer the chicken pieces to a rack over a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then turn the chicken over and bake for an additional 20 minutes until fully cooked.
9
If using an outdoor barbecue grill, follow your grill's directions for cooking chicken, maintaining the same basting and turning techniques as described.
10
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier meat. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of homemade Kentucky-style grilled chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Grilled Chicken Kentucky Style?
It is a copycat version of KFC's famous Kentucky Grilled Chicken, featuring a blend of herbs and spices for a classic home-cooked taste.
Is this an official KFC recipe?
No, it is a copycat version designed to replicate the flavors using fresh, home-based ingredients.
How long should I brine the chicken?
You should refrigerate the chicken in the brine solution for at least 2 hours.
What are the ingredients for the brine?
The brine consists of 4 cups of cold water mixed with 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt.
What is the purpose of brining the chicken?
Brining enhances the chicken's flavor and ensures a tender, juicy texture after grilling.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe works for both boneless and bone-in chicken pieces.
How do I cook bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Grill until seared, then transfer to a rack over a baking pan and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes total, turning halfway.
What oven temperature is required for bone-in chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F for the baking portion of bone-in chicken pieces.
Do I need to let the chicken rest after seasoning?
Yes, let the seasoned chicken rest for 20 minutes at room temperature to maximize flavor penetration.
Should the chicken rest after it is finished cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the meat juicy.
What kind of oil is recommended for basting?
Canola oil is recommended for basting the chicken to ensure a golden crust forms while cooking.
How do I prepare the seasoning blend?
Combine bouillon powder, flour, cornstarch, dry milk, and various spices in a container and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
What role does cornstarch play in the seasoning?
Cornstarch is included in the seasoning blend to help achieve the desired texture on the grilled surface.
Does the seasoning contain dairy?
Yes, the seasoning blend uses one tablespoon of finely crushed nonfat dry milk powder.
Is turmeric used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground turmeric is included in the seasoning blend for both color and flavor.
Do I need to rinse the chicken after brining?
Yes, after brining, remove the chicken from the solution, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Can I use an indoor grill for this recipe?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill set to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor barbecues?
Absolutely, it is perfect for outdoor barbecues, gatherings, and family dinners.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe cover?
The recipe is designed for 8 to 16 pieces of premium quality fresh chicken.
What is Accent seasoning used for?
Accent seasoning is an optional ingredient that can be added to enhance the overall savory profile of the dish.
What are the main herbs in the Kentucky-style seasoning?
The blend includes parsley flakes and dried rosemary leaves along with several ground spices.
Can I make a large batch of the seasoning?
Yes, the seasoning mix provided makes enough for multiple batches, allowing you to enjoy the recipe again later.
How long should I shake the seasoning container?
You should shake the sealed container for about 30 seconds until all ingredients are well mixed.
What should I do if I am using an outdoor barbecue grill?
Follow your specific grill's directions for cooking chicken while maintaining the same basting and turning techniques.
Why is chicken bouillon powder used in the rub?
It provides a concentrated savory base that helps replicate the intense flavor of commercial grilled chicken.
Is garlic powder included in the mix?
Yes, the seasoning includes 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the surface is well seared and the juices run clear.
Is paprika included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika is used in the seasoning blend for color and mild flavor.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the seasoning can be prepared in advance and stored for quick use during future meal preparations.
What is the very first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the brine by dissolving salt in cold water and submerging the chicken pieces.