Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade
Recreate the iconic flavor of your favorite fried chicken with this Copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinade, the ultimate secret to tender, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken. This savory marinade features a buttermilk base infused with a perfect blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and celery salt. Designed to tenderize and deeply season each piece, it’s the ideal preparation for achieving mouthwatering results. Simply marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours—or overnight for extra flavor—before frying to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or special gatherings, this easy homemade marinade will elevate your fried chicken game. Taste the secret that keeps them coming back for more!
Train Anywhere. No Excuses.
Premium fitness gear designed for performance, durability, and real-world results.
From home to gym to on-the-go
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon White pepper
- 1 teaspoon Celery salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 4 pounds Chicken pieces
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, white pepper, and celery salt until fully combined.
Add the dried thyme, basil, and oregano to the mixture, and whisk again to evenly distribute the herbs.
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is fully submerged in the liquid.
Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
Proceed with your preferred fried chicken breading and frying method to complete the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
565 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.6 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 266 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 963 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 96.7 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 139 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 915 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
