What Are the Ingredients in KFC Extra Crispy Chicken?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to KFC’s official ingredient list from January 2024, Extra Crispy chicken uses a specific blend of ingredients for both its marinade and its signature breading. This differs significantly from the Original Recipe, primarily through its double-breading and open-frying method.

Quick Summary

KFC's Extra Crispy chicken features a marinade of water, salt, MSG, and spices, along with a double-breading of enriched wheat flour, corn starch, baking agents, and a unique spice blend.

Key Points

Double-Breading is Key: The Extra Crispy texture comes from a unique double-breading process, not the 11 herbs and spices.
Official Ingredients Available: KFC publishes a list of ingredients, revealing the components of their marinade and coating.
Uses Flavor Enhancers: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is officially listed as an ingredient in both the marinade and the breading for enhanced savory flavor.
Open-Fried for Crunch: Unlike the pressure-fried Original Recipe, Extra Crispy is open-fried in a vat of canola oil to create its flaky texture.
Baking Agents for Fluff: The coating includes leavening agents like sodium bicarbonate and sodium aluminum phosphate to aid in the formation of the crunchy crust.
Distinct Spice Blend: The spice blend for Extra Crispy is different and generally milder than the one used for the Original Recipe chicken.

Dissecting the Crunch: The Ingredients in KFC Extra Crispy Chicken

For decades, KFC's Extra Crispy chicken has been a fan-favorite, celebrated for its satisfying, flaky crunch. While the famous "11 herbs and spices" are associated with the Original Recipe, the ingredients and preparation for the Extra Crispy version are distinct. The formula involves a two-part process, beginning with a marinade to tenderize and flavor the chicken, followed by a double-breading technique using a specific mix of flour, starches, and seasonings. The final touch is an open-frying method that locks in moisture while creating that legendary crunchy exterior.

The Official Ingredients

The official ingredient list from Yum! Brands details the components used in KFC Extra Crispy chicken. These include ingredients for the marinade and a distinct coating applied using a double-breading technique, which is crucial for the texture,. The complete list of ingredients can be found in the official KFC listing {Link: KFC INGREDIENTS LISTING https://assets.ctfassets.net/a2mgcrjjefyo/5vu2D2AXPOYZjINO429KZj/381f70053716e6b356b34956e8e34a10/KFC_Ingredient_Listing__2024-01_.pdf}.

Extra Crispy vs. Original Recipe: A Comparative Breakdown

The cooking method and flavor profile differentiate the two styles. Original Recipe is pressure-fried with its 11 herbs and spices, while Extra Crispy is open-fried after being double-breaded.


Feature	KFC Extra Crispy Chicken	KFC Original Recipe Chicken
Cooking Method	Open-fried in a vat of oil, uncovered.	Pressure-fried, sealing in juices.
Breading	Double-breaded for a thicker, flakier crust.	Single-breaded for a lighter coating.
Crust Texture	Crunchy, craggy, and visibly flaky.	Smooth, softer, and more homogenous.
Flavor Profile	A milder spice blend focusing on the textural crunch.	A more assertive flavor with the iconic 11 herbs and spices.
Key Texture Ingredients	Corn starch, baking agents.	Proprietary 11-spice blend.

The Role of MSG and Spices

MSG is in both the Extra Crispy marinade and breading. It is a flavor enhancer that provides umami. The specific "spices" and "spice extractives" are trade secrets, but they are generally milder than the Original Recipe blend.

Frying and Finishing Touches

The chicken is cooked in canola oil, which includes additives to prevent foaming and maintain freshness. Open-frying requires a specific temperature and time for crispiness. The chicken is then drained.

Conclusion

The ingredients in KFC Extra Crispy chicken, from the marinade to the double-breaded coating, are designed to create a superior crunch. This, combined with the open-frying process, results in the distinctive flaky, crunchy texture. While the exact blend remains a secret, the public list reveals the key components of this iconic item.

For a full breakdown, see the official ingredient list from Yum! Brands {Link: KFC INGREDIENTS LISTING https://assets.ctfassets.net/a2mgcrjjefyo/5vu2D2AXPOYZjINO429KZj/381f70053716e6b356b34956e8e34a10/KFC_Ingredient_Listing__2024-01_.pdf}.

Comparison of Ingredients and Process

Understanding the distinct components used in both the marinade and the double-breading highlights why Extra Crispy chicken has its unique texture and flavor. The combination of specific leavening agents in the flour mixture and the chosen frying method are key differentiators from the Original Recipe.

Marinade vs. Breading Ingredients

Let's look at the primary functions of the ingredients in each stage:

Marinade: Primarily focuses on adding moisture and flavor deep into the chicken using water, salt, MSG, and various spices.
Breading: Creates the external crispy layer with enriched wheat flour, starches, baking agents, and a distinct spice blend.

This two-step process ensures both internal juiciness and external crispiness.

Impact of Frying Method

The open-frying method for Extra Crispy allows the double-breading to cook and crisp up directly in the hot oil. This contrasts with the pressure-frying used for the Original Recipe, which cooks the chicken quickly under pressure, resulting in a softer coating while keeping the chicken very moist. The open-frying is crucial for developing the characteristic crunch.

Spice Profile Variation

While both recipes use spices, the Extra Crispy blend is designed to be less dominant than the 11 herbs and spices of the Original Recipe. This puts the focus squarely on the textural experience of the crispy coating.

In essence, the ingredients and method for KFC Extra Crispy chicken are a deliberate combination engineered to prioritize that legendary crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

The spice blend for Extra Crispy chicken is distinct and generally milder than the Original Recipe's famous 11 herbs and spices. The focus for Extra Crispy is more on the texture and crunch, while the Original Recipe is known for its more complex and robust flavor.

Yes, according to the official ingredient list from Yum! Brands, Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is included in both the marinade and the breading of the Extra Crispy chicken.

The double-breading technique is essential for creating the signature flaky and craggy crust of the Extra Crispy chicken. Dipping the chicken in flour, then a water wash, and then flour again builds up the texture that becomes super crunchy when fried.

KFC Extra Crispy chicken is cooked using an open-frying method. This process involves submerging the chicken in a vat of hot oil, which is different from the pressure-frying method used for the Original Recipe.

No, the breading for KFC Extra Crispy chicken contains enriched wheat flour, which means it is not gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Many copycat recipes attempt to replicate the taste and texture, often using ingredients like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch. While they can produce a similar result, the exact proportions and proprietary 'spice extractives' used by KFC remain a protected trade secret,.

The official ingredient list for the breading includes annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which contributes to the golden-orange hue of the finished product.