Herbs And Spices: Original Chicken's Secret Ingredients

Chicken is a versatile meat that lends itself to a wide range of flavours and techniques. One of the most famous blends of herbs and spices for chicken is KFC's Original Recipe, which contains 11 herbs and spices. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating about what the herbs and spices might be.

KFC's original recipe is a closely guarded secret, known by very few

The original handwritten recipe is securely kept inside a vault at KFC's headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. KFC employs various companies to contribute different ingredients to the recipe, so no one supplier knows the full recipe. The recipe is not patented, as patents are published and come with an expiration date. Instead, it is kept as a trade secret, allowing it to remain the intellectual property of KFC indefinitely.

In 1983, William Poundstone examined a sample of the coating mix and claimed it contained flour, salt, monosodium glutamate, and black pepper. However, KFC maintains that it still adheres to Sanders' original 1940 recipe. In 2016, Chicago Tribune reporters obtained what they believed to be the original recipe from Joe Ledington, Sanders' nephew by marriage. They conducted a cooking test and produced fried chicken that tasted indistinguishable from KFC's. The recipe included dried thyme, dried basil, salt, celery salt, dried oregano, paprika, garlic salt, dried mustard, ground black pepper, ground white pepper, and ground ginger.

While the exact recipe remains a mystery to the public, some aspects of how the chicken is made are known. Each piece of chicken is dipped in water for seven seconds, dried for seven seconds, and then rolled in the herb-spice-flour mixture seven times before frying. The chicken is fried in vegetable oil, though some outlets use a blend of palm and soybean oil for economic reasons.

The recipe was developed by Colonel Sanders in the 1930s and contains 11 herbs and spices

The original recipe for KFC's famous fried chicken is a closely guarded secret. The recipe was developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s and contains 11 herbs and spices. It is so famous that it has been described as one of the company's most valuable assets.

Sanders' recipe is said to be so secret that only a few people know it, and it is kept under intense security measures. The original handwritten recipe is locked in a vault at KFC's headquarters in Louisville. The company even employs various companies to contribute different ingredients, so no one supplier knows the full recipe.

The recipe was perfected in 1939 when Colonel Sanders discovered that pressure frying produced tasty, moist chicken in just eight or nine minutes. Before this, he had been pan-frying the chicken, which took 30 minutes, or deep-frying it, which produced dry, unevenly cooked meat.

While the exact blend of 11 herbs and spices remains a mystery, there has been speculation about what they might be. Joe Ledington, Colonel Sanders' nephew, claimed to have found the original recipe and shared it with the Chicago Tribune. The recipe includes salt, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper. However, Ledington later expressed uncertainty about whether this was the true Original Recipe.

Despite the secrecy, some aspects of how the chicken is prepared are known. Each piece of chicken is dipped in water for seven seconds, dried for seven seconds, and then rolled in the herb and spice mixture seven times before frying.

Chicken is a versatile meat, pairing well with many herbs and spices

Chicken is a versatile meat, pairing well with a wide range of herbs and spices. The famous KFC fried chicken recipe, for instance, includes 11 herbs and spices, though the exact ingredients remain a closely guarded secret. The neutral and mild flavour of chicken means it can be paired with almost any herb or spice, and it is used in dishes from around the world.

Chicken is a staple in many cuisines, and different cultures have their own unique takes on the best herbs and spices to use. In Hungary and Spain, for example, paprika is commonly used to give chicken a gentle, savoury warmth. In contrast, Indian and Middle Eastern cooking often feature turmeric, a relative of ginger, to add a burst of colour and flavour to chicken dishes. In the Caribbean, allspice is a staple, bringing a pungent and spicy kick to chicken dishes, while nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves are also commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.

Chicken also lends itself well to fresh herbs. Tarragon, with its subtle minty licorice flavour, is a perfect pairing for chicken, especially in dishes featuring apples, leeks, and other slightly sweet ingredients. Thyme is another versatile herb that works well with chicken, adding a bright, lemony note to the dish. Basil is another excellent option, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to chicken dishes, and working equally well in Italian, Greek, and even Thai cuisine.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, there are numerous spices that can be used to transform a chicken dish. Ginger, with its sweet and spicy flavour, is a popular choice in East and South Asian cooking, while cinnamon is a key ingredient in many Moroccan and Indian chicken dishes. Cumin is another spice that pairs well with chicken, adding depth and warmth to the dish. Chicken truly is a versatile meat, and with the right herbs and spices, it can be a delicious part of any meal.

Some common herbs and spices used with chicken include paprika, saffron, tarragon, thyme, and basil

Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. Some common herbs and spices used with chicken include paprika, saffron, tarragon, thyme, and basil.

Paprika chicken is a popular dish that is easy to prepare and well-loved around the world. The chicken is seasoned with ground black pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and paprika, then baked in the oven. This creates a juicy, flavorful dish with a beautiful colour.

Saffron is known as the most expensive spice globally due to its unique floral and earthy flavour. It pairs well with bolder flavours like ginger or cinnamon and is often used in chicken dishes to create an impressive, fragrant meal. Saffron chicken is made by simmering chicken in a saffron-infused sauce, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone tender dish.

Tarragon is an herb commonly used in French cuisine, adding a subtle anise-like taste and a warming fragrance. It is often used in chicken recipes, such as creamy tarragon chicken, where it is combined with a white wine sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. The chicken is then served with mashed potatoes or pasta, creating an elegant and classic meal.

Thyme is another herb that pairs well with chicken, particularly in creamy lemon thyme chicken. This dish features a tender chicken cooked in a lemon thyme sauce, resulting in a flavourful and juicy meal. The sauce includes lemon juice and zest, onion, garlic, and fresh thyme, which is then combined with heavy cream and butter. The chicken is cooked in the oven with the sauce, resulting in a scrumptious and easy weeknight meal.

Lastly, basil is a popular herb used in chicken dishes, especially in Thai cuisine. Spicy Thai basil chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a well-loved recipe that combines chicken with garlic, shallots, chilies, and basil. The basil is stirred into the dish at the end, cooking until slightly wilted, and is served with rice. This dish is a great way to add a punch of flavour to your chicken meal.

Chicken can be seasoned in various ways, such as dry rubs, marinades, or breading

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to create delicious dishes. One of the most famous ways to season chicken is the KFC Original Recipe, which includes a blend of 11 herbs and spices. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, it is said to include ingredients like flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic salt.

Dry rubs are a popular way to season chicken, and there are countless combinations of herbs and spices that can be used. For example, a simple blend of salt, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, black pepper, thyme, celery seed, parsley, cumin, and cayenne pepper can add a unique zing to your chicken dish. Dry rubs are typically applied directly to the surface of the chicken and can be left on for a few hours or even overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Marinades are another great way to season chicken. Marinades typically consist of a combination of herbs, spices, and other flavourful ingredients mixed with a liquid such as oil, vinegar, or citrus juice. The chicken is soaked in the marinade for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat and keep it moist during cooking. Some popular ingredients for chicken marinades include paprika, saffron, turmeric, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili powder.

Breading is also a common way to season and cook chicken. The chicken is typically coated in a mixture of flour, spices, and other dry ingredients before being fried or baked. Breaded chicken can be crispy and flavourful, and the breading can help to seal in the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender. The KFC Original Recipe, for example, involves breading the chicken with a mixture that is reportedly about 32% spice and 68% breading.

In addition to these methods, fresh herbs can also be used to season chicken. Sprigs of rosemary or thyme can be cooked with the chicken, adding flavour to the dish. Other herbs like basil, tarragon, and cilantro can be added towards the end of cooking to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

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