Unveiling the 11 Herbs and Spices
According to an alleged 2016 leak by a Chicago Tribune reporter, who was shown a handwritten family scrapbook by a nephew of Colonel Sanders, the famed blend contains a mix of common and distinct pantry items. While KFC has denied the authenticity of this particular document, it offers the most detailed glimpse available to the public.
The purported mix, intended for two cups of all-purpose flour, reportedly includes:
- Salt: Provides a fundamental savory base.
- Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy, and floral note.
- Basil: Contributes a hint of sweetness and pepper.
- Oregano: Offers an aromatic, slightly bitter undertone.
- Celery Salt: Gives a savory, briny flavor with a light herbal quality.
- Black Pepper: Delivers a mild heat and pungent spice.
- Dried Mustard: Provides a tangy and zesty kick.
- Paprika: Lends a mild, smoky-sweetness and a reddish color.
- Garlic Salt: Infuses the coating with a rich, savory garlic flavor.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a touch of warmth and a slightly sweet, pungent element.
- White Pepper: Contributes a milder, less pungent heat than black pepper, offering a distinct finishing spice.
The Role of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
While the original handwritten note discovered in the scrapbook did not mention it, food tests conducted by the Chicago Tribune staff found that adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) to the mix was the final, crucial step to creating a flavor indistinguishable from the real thing. A KFC spokesperson later confirmed that MSG is indeed used in the Original Recipe chicken. MSG, a flavor enhancer, is likely the ingredient responsible for the characteristic savory, umami taste that many find addictive.
Coating Process: The 'Seven Times' Method
The recipe isn't just about the herbs and spices; the preparation method is also a key part of the magic. Employees at KFC follow a specific breading procedure that ensures a consistent, crunchy coating. The raw chicken is first marinated, then coated in the seasoned flour mix. One key detail, according to a former employee, is the use of a “rocker basket” to shake off excess flour. The chicken is reportedly rolled in the flour seven times, dunked in water for seven seconds, shaken seven times to remove excess water, and then re-dredged in the flour seven times. This layering technique is critical for achieving the famous texture.
Pressure Frying: The Secret to Crispy and Moist Chicken
After the extensive coating process, KFC's chicken is cooked using a specialized pressure fryer. Invented by Colonel Sanders himself, this cooking method allows the chicken to cook much faster than traditional deep-frying, while the sealed environment of the fryer traps steam. This pressure-cooking technique is what locks in the chicken's natural juices, ensuring the meat remains exceptionally moist and tender, even with the crispy outer coating. The specific cooking times and temperatures are still tightly guarded secrets.
Coating Ingredient Comparison: Original vs. Extra Crispy
While the original recipe is the most famous, KFC also offers an "Extra Crispy" version with a noticeably different texture and flavor profile. Below is a comparison of what's believed to be in the two coatings.
| Feature | Original Recipe Coating | Extra Crispy Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flour | Enriched wheat flour. | Enriched wheat flour, multiple leavening agents. |
| Flavor Profile | Savory and complex, with balanced herbal and spice notes. | Heavier, with a bolder, saltier, and more peppery flavor. |
| Texture | Thinner, with a more flaky, less pronounced crunch. | Thicker and crunchier, designed for a more substantial texture. |
| Appearance | Light golden-brown. | Darker, with a more defined, craggy surface. |
| MSG Content | Confirmed to contain MSG. | Also contains MSG for flavor enhancement. |
| Cooking Method | Primarily pressure-fried. | Often cooked using conventional deep-frying. |
Is the Coating Gluten-Free?
No, the coating for KFC's signature fried chicken is not gluten-free. Both the Original Recipe and the Extra Crispy chicken are breaded with a wheat flour mixture, which contains gluten. Additionally, due to high risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen from flour dust and shared fryers, KFC is not considered a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Some side dishes may be prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, but the cross-contact risk remains high.
The Real Secret is in the Details
The true magic of the KFC chicken coating lies not in just one secret ingredient, but in the combination of multiple elements working together. The distinct blend of herbs and spices, the crucial flavor boost from MSG, the meticulous double-coating process, and the unique pressure-frying technique all contribute to the final, delectable product. While the exact proportions of the spices may never be known to the public, the revealed components offer significant insight into how the iconic taste is created.
For more information on the history of the Colonel's secret recipe, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on KFC Original Recipe. This offers a comprehensive history of the recipe's development and notoriety.
Conclusion
What is in the coating of KFC chicken is a mix of enriched wheat flour, a proprietary blend of 11 herbs and spices (likely including paprika, garlic salt, and both black and white pepper), and flavor enhancers like MSG. The precise formula is a trade secret, but the unique flavor is also a result of the meticulous preparation process, including pressure-frying that locks in moisture while creating a crispy exterior. While many copycat recipes exist, replicating the flavor perfectly without the commercial cooking equipment and exact spice ratios is challenging. For most, enjoying the original from KFC remains the most convenient way to experience the legendary taste.
