KFC Chicken Cooking Process: Unveiling the Secret Behind Tender and Crispy Fried Chicken

Every bite of KFC's crispy, juicy fried chicken is the result of a sophisticated cooking process that involves a unique blend of ingredients and a specialized technique. This guide will delve into how KFC actually preps their chicken and debunk any myths about cooking lungs and other organs.

Marination: Tenderizing and Flavor Enhancement

Like many of the best dishes, the process begins with quality ingredients. KFC chicken is marinated in a proprietary blend of spices and buttermilk. This step not only tenderizes the meat, making it more palatable, but also enhances its natural flavor, creating a taste that is unmistakably KFC.

Breading: The Secret Blend of 11 Herbs and Spices

After marination, the chicken pieces are coated with a seasoned flour mixture. The secret of KFC's success lies in their proprietary blend of 11 herbs and spices. This blend is carefully kept under wraps and contributes to the unique flavor that sets KFC chicken apart from other fried chicken dishes.

Pressure Frying: Rapid and Juicy Cooking

Next comes the pressure frying process, where the breaded chicken is cooked in a pressure fryer. This method is more efficient and produces better results than traditional frying. The pressure fryer cooks the chicken quickly, ensuring that the inside remains juicy while the outside becomes crispy. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect texture and taste of KFC's fried chicken.

Cooling and Serving: Retaining Freshness and Flavor

After cooking, the chicken is allowed to rest briefly to ensure it retains its juiciness. It is then carefully packed and prepared for serving, ready to be enjoyed by customers who order it on-site or through various home delivery options.

Addressing Concerns About Cooking Internal Organs

Some people might wonder, "Wouldn't they notice if they were cooking lungs and other organs?" Let's address this concern:

Wholesale Chicken Procurement

KFC, like any other restaurant or store that serves deep-fried chicken, does not start with a live bird. The process begins at the wholesale level, where chickens are already prepped and ready to use. This means that the feathers, guts, and feet have already been removed. The "guts" in this context refer to the internal organs, which are typically not included in the prepared chicken pieces that are sold to restaurants or stores.

Organic Waste and Products

Any internal organs that are removed during the processing are sent to places where they become by-products, such as feed for livestock or other products for human consumption. Whole chickens bought by KFC and other stores are already cut into parts like breasts, legs, thighs, and wings.

Restaurant Employees and Quality Control

Restaurant employees see exactly what you see when you visit a grocery store meat department: clean, cut-up chickens. This means that the procedure of de-feathering, gutting, and removing other internal parts happens at the processing stage, not at the restaurant. The quality control measures ensure that only appropriate parts of the chicken are used in their products.

Conclusion

In summary, KFC's chicken cooking process is a blend of high-quality ingredients, precise techniques, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Whether you're enjoying it from your favorite KFC, or curious about the process behind your meal, understanding how the chicken is prepared can enhance your appreciation of this beloved dish. The concern about cooking lungs and other organs is unfounded, as the chickens are already prepared and de-boned before reaching the hands of restaurant staff and consumers.