Missing that extra-special blend of 11 herbs and spices in KFC chicken now that you’re gluten free? This gluten free fried chicken will be a welcome addition to your family traditions!
How to fry chicken is the sort of thing that anyone who has ever done it has a bunch of opinions about. This recipe for gluten free fried chicken KFC-style is all about the blend of 11 herbs and spices (plus a touch of sugar—it really goes a long way to making a truly delicious fried chicken!).
There isn’t much to making this chicken, beyond soaking it in buttermilk, then blending up the flours, herbs and spices. But promise me you’ll read through the whole recipe at least once before getting started?
It’s not very long and doesn’t have too many steps at all. But each ingredient and each step is there for good reason. I promise!
Allowing the flour blend and spices coating to soak into the chicken for about half an hour before frying really helps the coating stick to the skin, rather than slide right off in the frying oil.
Maybe you’re spending the long holiday weekend at the beach (lucky you!). Maybe you’re just looking for an extra special weekend meal.
Try serving up some of this gluten free fried chicken. It’s amazing right out of the fryer, but some may say it’s even better piled into containers and eaten at room temperature (or cold!) the next day. Let the celebrations begin!
Like this recipe?
Prep time:Cook time:Yield:8 to 10 pieces fried chicken
Ingredients
About 4 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken parts (I used 2 split chicken breasts and 4 drumsticks)*
1 1/2 cups (12 fluid ounces) buttermilk
1 cup (224 g) plain yogurt (or you can use 1 additional cup buttermilk in place of the yogurt)
2 cups (280 g) basic gum-free gluten free flour blend(184 g superfine white rice flour + 62 g potato starch + 34 g tapioca starch/flour) (yes, you do have to use this blend!)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
3 tablespoons (36 g) sugar
Neutral oil, for frying (peanut oil is ideal, but a mixture of half canola oil and half nonhydrogenated vegetable shortening works very well, too)
*F0r easier frying, and easier eating, try slicing each split chicken breast in half while it’s still on the bone. A large sharp knife and a swift motion will do the trick.
Directions
In a large, zip-top bag or large bowl, place the chicken parts, buttermilk and yogurt, and stir to coat the chicken parts fully. Squeeze out all of the air if using a zip-top bag before sealing the bag. If using a bowl, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 and up to 16 hours.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, in a medium-size bowl, place the flour blend, pepper, salt, paprika, oregano, thyme, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar, and whisk to combine well. Pour all of the dry ingredients into a large, zip-top bag. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Remove the chicken parts from the marinade, about 2 at a time, and place in the bag of dry ingredients, seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken parts fully. Remove the chicken from the dry ingredients and place on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the coated chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the dry ingredients to form a thick paste on the chicken. This will help the coating stick to the chicken during frying.
While the chicken is sitting, prepare the frying oil. Place about 3-inches of frying oil in a large, heavy-bottom pot or fryer. Clip a deep-fry/candy thermometer to the side of the pot or fryer, and place the oil over medium-high heat. Bring the oil temperature to 350°F. Place the coated chicken parts in the hot oil, taking care not to crowd the oil. To prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot, hold each piece with tongs or a spider in the hot oil just above the bottom for about a minute to allow the bottom skin of the chicken to seal. Fry until golden brown all over, about 7 minutes on each side. Turn the heat down to bring the oil temperature to 325°F and allow the chicken to continue to cook until the internal temperature of each piece reaches nearly 165°F (about 10 minutes more). Place the chicken on a wire rack placed over paper towels to drain and cool before serving.
HELLO! I’m Nicole! I make gluten-free food enjoyable & affordable. If they can make it with gluten, we can make it without. That’s a promise!