The Secret Revealed: How Many Herbs and Spices Are Really in KFC Chicken?

Have you ever bitten into a piece of crispy KFC chicken and wondered what makes it so darn finger-lickin’ good? I’ve been obsessed with this question for years, and after some serious research I’m ready to spill the beans (or should I say spices?) about the Colonel’s famous recipe.

The Magic Number: 11

Let’s cut right to the chase – KFC uses exactly 11 herbs and spices in their secret recipe This combination has been carefully guarded since Colonel Sanders perfected his recipe way back in 1939 The company has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect this culinary secret, including

• Keeping the original handwritten recipe in a secure vault at KFC headquarters in Louisville
• Using different suppliers for different ingredients so no single company knows the complete recipe
• Limiting knowledge of the full recipe to just a handful of people

But in 2016, something unexpected happened that gave us our best clue yet about what might be in that famous seasoning mix.

The Recipe Leak

In 2016, a Chicago Tribune reporter interviewed Joe Ledington, Colonel Sanders’ nephew. During this meeting, Ledington showed the reporter a family scrapbook that contained what appeared to be the original recipe written by hand. Though KFC has never officially confirmed this recipe is authentic (would they ever admit it if it was?), Ledington initially claimed it was the real deal before later backtracking slightly.

According to that handwritten recipe, here are the 11 herbs and spices that make KFC chicken so irresistible:

1. Salt (2/3 teaspoon)
2. Thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
3. Basil (1/2 teaspoon)
4. Oregano (1/3 teaspoon)
5. Celery salt (1 teaspoon)
6. Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
7. Dried mustard (1 teaspoon)
8. Paprika (4 teaspoons)
9. Garlic salt (2 teaspoons)
10. Ground ginger (1 teaspoon)
11. White pepper (3 teaspoons)

All these spices get mixed with 2 cups of flour to create that iconic KFC breading that we all know and love.

Why White Pepper Matters

One particularly interesting note about this recipe is the significant amount of white pepper (3 teaspoons) compared to other spices. White pepper is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and provides a distinct flavor that’s different from black pepper. Ledington specifically mentioned the prevalence of white pepper when discussing the recipe’s authenticity.

The ginger inclusion is also interesting, as it’s another spice commonly found in Asian cooking that adds a subtle warmth without being immediately identifiable to most people.

More Than Just Ingredients – It’s About Technique

Knowing the herbs and spices is only half the battle when it comes to recreating KFC’s chicken. The method matters just as much! Here are some interesting facts about how KFC prepares their chicken:

• Each piece of chicken is dipped in water for 7 seconds
• Then dried for 7 seconds
• Then rolled in the spice mixture 7 times before frying (sevens must have been lucky for the Colonel!)

Additionally, Colonel Sanders was known for using a pressure fryer to cook his chicken, which helped achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. However, pressure frying at home can be dangerous, so don’t try this method in your kitchen!

Is MSG Part of the Secret?

Though not mentioned in the leaked recipe, many food experts believe KFC also uses MSG (monosodium glutamate) to enhance the savory flavors in their chicken. MSG is a flavor enhancer that intensifies the umami taste, making foods seem more flavorful. While KFC doesn’t officially confirm its use, many copycat recipes include it for that extra flavor boost.

Recreating KFC at Home

Want to make your own KFC-style chicken? Here are my tips:

1. Get the spice blend right: Measure carefully and don’t skip any ingredients
2. Brine your chicken: Consider an overnight buttermilk brine for maximum tenderness
3. Double dredge: For extra crispiness, dip your chicken in the flour mixture twice
4. Fry at the right temperature: Keep your oil around 350°F for best results
5. Try poaching before frying: This home technique can help achieve the moisture that pressure frying provides commercially

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The genius of Colonel Sanders’ recipe is in its balance. The blend creates layers of flavor that hit different parts of your palate:

• Savory base: Salt, garlic salt, and celery salt provide a savory foundation
• Aromatic herbs: Thyme, oregano, and basil add complexity
• Warming spices: Paprika, ginger, and white pepper create depth
• Sharp notes: Mustard adds a subtle tang

When these flavors combine with that signature crunch from proper frying, you get that addictive quality that’s made KFC a global phenomenon.

The Business of Secrecy

KFC has turned their “secret recipe” into one of the most successful marketing campaigns in fast food history. The mystique around those 11 herbs and spices has generated countless news stories, social media posts, and yes, articles like this one!

The company continues to play into this mystery. Their nutritional guide simply lists “Colonel’s Secret Original Recipe Seasoning” rather than breaking down ingredients. This marketing strategy has been so effective that even if the true recipe was officially confirmed tomorrow, I bet they’d still keep up the secrecy angle.

Beyond the Original Recipe

Today, KFC offers many variations on their chicken beyond the original recipe, including:

• Extra Crispy
• Kentucky Grilled
• Nashville Hot
• Georgia Gold
• Various limited-time offerings

But all of these start with that foundation of 11 herbs and spices that Colonel Sanders developed over 80 years ago.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it – KFC uses exactly 11 herbs and spices in their famous chicken recipe. While we can’t be 100% certain that the leaked recipe is authentic, it’s probably the closest we’ll ever get to the real thing unless KFC decides to officially spill their secrets (which seems unlikely).

Whether you’re trying to recreate the Colonel’s chicken at home or just appreciating it from your local KFC, now you know a bit more about what makes this iconic fast food so special. And remember, sometimes the magic isn’t just in knowing the ingredients – it’s in how you use them!

Have you tried making KFC-style chicken at home? I’d love to hear about your successes and failures in the comments below!