Brian Nagele
If you’re a fan of KFC, you’re probably aware of how popular their fried chicken is. But did you know that KFC chicken comes in two varieties: extra crispy and original recipe? Before you place your order, it is important to be aware of the distinctions between the two selections because each has a distinctive flavor and texture.
The original KFC recipe dates back to the 1950s and uses a blend of 11 herbs and spices that are kept secret.
It is renowned for its crispy exterior, savory flavor, and subtle sweetness.
Contrarily, extra crispy chicken is twice-fried and double-breaded, giving it a super-crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior.
Although both options are great, their various differences can make you choose one over the other.
History of KFC Original Recipe
Colonel Harland Sanders created the renowned chicken dish known as KFC Original Recipe in the 1930s.
Sanders ran a tiny eatery in Corbin, Kentucky, where he offered fried chicken seasoned with a special concoction of 11 herbs and spices.
The dish was so well-liked by customers that it was frequently featured on the menu of the eatery.
In 1952, Sanders began to market his exclusive recipe to other restaurants after franchising his eatery.
By 1964, there were over 600 KFC locations in the United States because of the recipe’s swift popularity.
The dish’s popularity grew over time, and by the 1970s, KFC had established itself as a global brand with locations in numerous nations.
The recipe has changed a little bit over time. For financial concerns, many KFC locations began utilizing a palm and soybean oil combination in place of vegetable oil in 1993.
Cottonseed and corn oil are primarily utilized in Japan because KFC Japan feels they provide a superior taste quality.
Despite the modifications, the KFC Original Recipe is still a popular dish that is still eaten by people all over the world.
Its distinctive combination of herbs and spices has established itself as a distinctive taste that many people can recognize right away.
There is no disputing that KFC Original Recipe has a long history and a devoted following, whether you prefer the classic flavor or the extra crispy variation.
History of KFC Extra Crispy
If you enjoy KFC, you are probably aware that the Original Recipe has been served for more than 80 years.
But did you know that for more than 50 years, KFC’s menu has also included the Extra Crispy recipe?
KFC added the Extra Crispy recipe to their menu in 1970. This recipe was developed to satisfy consumers who desired their fried chicken to have a crunchier and crispier texture.
Customers of KFC flocked to the Extra Crispy recipe instantly, and it has remained a mainstay on the menu ever since.
The Original Recipe’s 11 herbs and spices are also used to make the Extra Crispy recipe. The chicken’s coating, however, is distinct.
Similar to the original recipe, the Extra Crispy chicken is double-breaded by hand in a blend of herbs and spices before being cooked in the open rather than under pressure.
The coating on the chicken becomes thicker and crunchier as a result.
KFC has made some adjustments to the Extra Crispy recipe throughout time.
The Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders, which are manufactured with the same Extra Crispy coating as the chicken, were released by KFC in 2016.
KFC introduced the Cheetos Sandwich in 2019 with Extra Crispy Chicken, Cheetos Sauce, and Cheetos Pieces on top.
As a result, customers who want a crunchier and crispier texture in their fried chicken continue to choose the Extra Crispy recipe, which has been on KFC’s menu for more than 50 years.
Preparation Process of KFC Original
The preparation procedure is essential to producing the ideal taste and texture in KFC Original.
What you need to know is as follows:
Marination
Marination is the first stage of making KFC Original. A unique mixture of 11 herbs and spices is used to marinade the chicken.
It is said that the recipe calls for salt, thyme, black pepper, oregano, basil, celery salt, garlic salt, paprika, dried mustard, ground ginger, and white pepper, yet the specific components are kept a well guarded secret.
For the flavors to permeate the meat, the chicken is marinated for a few hours.
Breading
The chicken is then covered in a flour-based breading mixture after marinating. To improve the overall flavor of the chicken, a selection of herbs and spices are also added to the breading recipe.
After that, the chicken is given some time to rest so that the breading can stick to the meat.
Frying
Frying is the last stage in making KFC Original. It is deep-fried in a pressure fryer, which guarantees that the chicken is cooked consistently and keeps its juicy, tender texture.
The pressure fryer also makes it possible for the chicken to cook more quickly while yet maintaining the meat’s moisture and flavor.
Overall, the marination, breading, and frying steps used to prepare KFC Original are precisely created.
To get the flawless taste and texture that KFC is famous for, each step is crucial.
Preparation Process of KFC Extra Crispy
KFC Extra Crispy may be the way to go if you want your chicken with a crunchier texture.
This version of the KFC chicken is made differently from the Original recipe. Here’s what to anticipate:
Open Frying
KFC Extra Crispy, in contrast to the Original recipe, is made via open frying. As contrast to the pressure fryer used for the Original recipe, the chicken is now fried in an open vat of oil.
The chicken can be fried in an open pan so that the outside can get golden brown and crunchy while the inside stays tender.
Marination
KFC Extra Crispy requires less marinating time than the Original recipe. Shortly after a shorter period of marinating, the chicken is covered in seasoned flour mixture and fried.
The chicken’s exterior gains a crispier texture as a result.
High Temperature Frying
Compared to the Original recipe, KFC Extra Crispy is fried at a higher temperature. The chicken’s exterior gains a crispier texture as a result.
This implies that the chicken might be drier than in the Original recipe, nevertheless.
Seasoning
In contrast to the Original recipe, KFC Extra Crispy uses a different seasoning.
In contrast to the original recipe, the flour mixture used to coat the chicken is seasoned with a combination of spices to give it a distinctive flavor.
In general, open frying, a shorter marinating period, higher temperature frying, and a distinct seasoning blend are all part of the preparation process for KFC Extra Crispy.
KFC Extra Crispy may be the way to go if you want your chicken with a crunchier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between KFC Original and Extra Crispy?
The main difference between KFC Original and Extra Crispy is the texture. Original KFC chicken is cooked in a pressure fryer, which results in moist, juicy meat with a slightly crispy skin. On the other hand, Extra Crispy chicken is double-breaded and fried for a longer time, resulting in a crunchier texture.
Which one is healthier, KFC Original or Extra Crispy?
Neither KFC Original nor Extra Crispy can be considered healthy options. However, if you’re looking for the healthier option, KFC Original is slightly better. It has fewer calories, less fat, and less sodium than Extra Crispy. But keep in mind that both options are high in calories, fat, and sodium.
Which one is more popular, KFC Original or Extra Crispy?
KFC Original is the more popular option, as it has been around for much longer than Extra Crispy. However, Extra Crispy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, thanks to its crunchier texture.
Can you tell the difference between KFC Original and Extra Crispy blindfolded?
It might be difficult to tell the difference between KFC Original and Extra Crispy blindfolded, as they both have a similar taste. However, the texture is different, so you might be able to tell based on that.
Which one should you choose, KFC Original or Extra Crispy?
It ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a crunchier texture, go for Extra Crispy. If you prefer a slightly crispy skin and moist, juicy meat, go for KFC Original. But keep in mind that both options are high in calories, fat, and sodium, so they should be consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
The choice between KFC Original and Extra Crispy chicken ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Each choice has distinct qualities that make it wonderful in its own right. Here are some important conclusions to help you choose which to try:
- Original Recipe KFC is fried in a pressure cooker, which gives it a softer, more tender texture. The skin is not as crispy as Extra Crispy, but it does have a bit of a crunch to it. The flavor is well-balanced and not too greasy.
- Extra Crispy KFC is double fried for extra crispiness. The breading is thicker and crunchier than the Original Recipe, and the chicken is less juicy. If you love crispy, crunchy chicken, this is the option for you.
- The spices used in both recipes are similar, but Extra Crispy has a slightly different blend of spices that gives it a bolder, spicier flavor.
