For decades, KFC’s Original Recipe fried chicken has been shrouded in mystery—famously guarded in a vault, rumored to contain “11 secret herbs and spices,” and beloved for its crispy, savory, golden crust. While the exact blend remains proprietary, a leaked 1983 recipe (reportedly from a handwritten note by Colonel Sanders himself) was published by the Chicago Tribune and has since been tested by food scientists, chefs, and home cooks with remarkable accuracy.
Below is the most widely accepted recreation of that recipe—along with tips to get as close as possible to the real thing at home.
🔍 The Leaked “Secret” Blend (11 Herbs & Spices)
(For ~2 lbs chicken)
2/3 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1/3 tsp oregano
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dry mustard
4 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp white pepper
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