The Crispy Colonel Sandwich from KFC features a juicy, tender fried chicken filet seasoned with the signature blend of 11 herbs and spices, layered with fresh pickles and creamy mayonnaise on a soft, toasted brioche bun, delivering a satisfying crunch and savory flavor in every bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Wire rack
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Sauce spreader or spatula
- Bun toaster or griddle
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Sliced dill pickles
To achieve the authentic Crispy Colonel Sandwich flavor, ensure precise measurement of the 11 herbs and spices blend, as it replicates KFC's signature seasoning. Using buttermilk for marinating the chicken breasts is crucial to tenderize the meat and enhance juiciness. Opt for brioche buns fresh enough to toast, providing the perfect soft yet slightly crispy base to balance the sandwich's crunch. Maintain vegetable oil at the ideal frying temperature to avoid soggy or overcooked chicken. Your Crispy Colonel Sandwich copycat will deliver the same juicy, flavorful bite as the original from KFC when these key ingredient details are followed.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 fillets.
- Place chicken fillets in a mixing bowl; pour over buttermilk to fully coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, celery salt, white pepper, black pepper, mustard powder, ground ginger, salt, and sugar.
- Remove chicken fillets from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge chicken fillets in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place coated fillets on a wire rack or tray; let rest 10 minutes.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in batches for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer fried fillets to a clean wire rack set on a sheet pan to drain excess oil.
- Toast brioche buns in a bun toaster or on a griddle.
- Spread mayonnaise on bottom buns with a sauce spreader or spatula.
- Place 2–3 sliced dill pickles over mayo.
- Lay a fried chicken fillet on top of pickles.
- Close with top half of bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Crispy Colonel Sandwich from KFC copycat menu can be adapted by substituting buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable. You can replace brioche buns with any soft sandwich buns or even hamburger buns without compromising texture. When frying, vegetable oil can be switched with peanut or canola oil for higher smoke points and a different flavor profile. If some herbs in the signature seasoning are missing, using Italian seasoning as a base can maintain the herbaceous taste. Your choice of pickles can vary as well; dill or bread-and-butter pickles work well to complement the creamy mayonnaise.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature stays consistent at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a perfect crispy crust without undercooking the chicken. Let the coated chicken fillets rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying; this helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off. Use a wire rack over a sheet pan to drain the fried chicken, which keeps it crisp by avoiding soggy buildup from excess oil. Toast the brioche buns just before assembling to maintain their softness and enhance flavor, and spread mayonnaise evenly for balanced moisture with the pickles and chicken.
Nutritions
The Crispy Colonel Sandwich from KFC provides a rich source of protein from the fried chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and growth. The breading made from flour, cornstarch, and various spices adds carbohydrates and some fiber, while the mayonnaise contributes fats, enhancing satiety and flavor. The inclusion of dill pickles adds a small amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics if naturally fermented. Your meal delivers a balanced combination of macronutrients, but keep in mind the fried preparation increases calorie and fat content.
Storage
Store leftover Crispy Colonel Sandwich components separately to maintain quality: keep fried chicken fillets in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. Brioche buns and pickles can be stored in sealed containers or plastic bags at room temperature or refrigerated, respectively, for up to two days. When reheating, warm the chicken in an oven at 350degF (175degC) on a wire rack to preserve crispness, and toast the buns before assembling to restore texture and flavor for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap brioche buns for whole wheat or pretzel buns to add a different texture and flavor profile. Experiment with spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha or chipotle powder for a piquant twist. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a mix of rice flour and potato starch for the coating. To keep chicken extra juicy, brine the chicken fillets in a saltwater solution before marinating in buttermilk.
Allergies
The Crispy Colonel Sandwich may trigger allergies due to common allergens like wheat in the all-purpose flour and brioche buns, dairy in the buttermilk and mayonnaise, and eggs potentially present in mayonnaise. The sandwich's seasoning blend contains mustard powder, which is also a known allergen for some individuals. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before consuming this product.
Why this recipe?
The Crispy Colonel Sandwich from KFC is beloved for its perfectly seasoned, extra-crispy fried chicken fillet paired with fresh lettuce and mayo on a soft, toasted bun, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. Its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices delivers a flavor profile that stands out among fast-food chicken sandwiches. You can recreate this iconic taste at home by mastering the signature breading and seasoning technique, making your homemade version equally flavorful and crispy. Crafting a copycat recipe not only saves money but also allows customization to suit your personal preferences.