Is KFC Battered or Breaded?

KFC chicken is breaded.

The Art of KFC's Crispy Coating

KFC's iconic fried chicken is freshly prepared and hand-breaded by trained cooks in restaurants every single day. This meticulous process uses a special blend of ingredients, similar to what you might find in your kitchen at home, to create the signature crispy, flavorful crust that defines their product. The distinction between "battered" and "breaded" is crucial to understanding how this beloved fried chicken achieves its unique texture.

Battering vs. Breading: Understanding the Difference

While both battering and breading are culinary techniques designed to give food a crispy exterior, they involve distinct processes and result in different textures.

Battering

Battering typically involves dipping food into a liquid mixture, known as a batter. This mixture is usually made from flour, a liquid (like water, milk, or beer), and often a leavening agent (like baking powder) to create a light and airy coating.

• Characteristics:
  • Smooth, continuous coating.
  • Often lighter and more uniform in texture.
  • Can be soft and slightly puffy when cooked.
• Examples:
  • Classic fish and chips
  • Tempura dishes

Breading

Breading, on the other hand, is a multi-step process that involves coating food with dry ingredients. This method typically follows a "dredge, dip, coat" sequence to build layers that create a crispier, more textured crust.

• Characteristics:
  • Often results in a craggy, highly textured, and crunchy crust.
  • Allows for better adhesion of seasonings and spices.
  • Can be thicker and more substantial than a batter.
• Process (Common Steps):
  1. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat the food in seasoned flour.
  2. Dip in Liquid: Submerge the floured food in an egg wash or other liquid to help the next layer adhere.
  3. Coat in Dry Mixture: Roll or press the food into breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a seasoned flour mixture (like KFC's 11 herbs and spices).
• Examples:
  • Chicken schnitzel
  • Crispy chicken cutlets
  • KFC's fried chicken

Why Breading is Key for KFC

KFC's signature taste and texture come directly from its breading process. The method of hand-breading allows for their secret blend of 11 herbs and spices to thoroughly adhere to each piece of chicken, creating the unmistakable crispy, flavorful coating. This technique ensures a robust crust that withstands the frying process while locking in the chicken's juices, delivering the beloved taste and crunch fans expect.

Here's a quick comparison: