How does KFC cook their chicken?
Fast food chains like KFC are known for their mouth-watering, crispy fried chicken. But have you ever wondered what exactly goes into cooking that succulent and finger-licking goodness? In this article, we’ll dive into the secrets of KFC’s cooking process and explore the steps that set their chicken apart from the rest.
Secret Recipe and Preparation
At the heart of KFC’s cooking process lies their famous Original Recipe. Developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1950s, this proprietary blend of 11 herbs and spices is the key to KFC’s signature taste. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but it’s safe to say that it’s a carefully curated mix of ingredients that adds flavor and aroma to their chicken.
Before cooking, KFC’s chicken undergoes a thorough preparation process. Here are the steps:
- Boning: KFC’s chicken breasts are deboned to ensure uniform cooking and to prevent bones from getting in the way of the cooking process.
- Rinsing: The chicken is washed with cold water to remove any excess blood or impurities.
- Breading: The chicken is dredged in a mixture of flour, starch, and spices to create a crispy exterior. This breading is where the magic happens, as it helps create the signature crunch and flavor.
Frying
Once prepared, the chicken is pressure-fried in ****. Yes, you read that right – pressure-frying is a proprietary technique that involves cooking the chicken at incredibly high pressures and temperatures to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Here are the key factors that make KFC’s frying process unique:
• High-Pressure Fryers: KFC’s fryers can operate at pressures of up to 45 psi, which is significantly higher than traditional fryers. This ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and at a consistent temperature.
• Hot Cooking Oil: KFC uses hot oil with a minimum temperature of 350°F (175°C) to cook their chicken. This high-temperature oil helps create the signature crust and crispy texture.
• Cooking Time: The chicken is cooked for around 20-25 minutes, which allows for even cooking and crisping.
Cooking Processes
KFC uses a combination of different cooking processes to achieve their signature taste. These processes include:
- Pressure-Frying: As mentioned earlier, KFC uses pressure-frying to achieve that crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Kettle-Frying: KFC also uses traditional kettle-frying for specific menu items, such as their Popcorn Chicken.
- Grilling: For a healthier option, KFC offers grilled chicken, which is cooked over an open flame to achieve that smoky flavor.
Quality Control
So, how does KFC ensure that their chicken is consistently cooked to perfection? Here are the measures they take:
- Taste Testing: KFC conduct regular taste tests to ensure that their chicken meets their high standards.
- Equipment Maintenance: The company maintains strict cleaning and maintenance schedules for their equipment to ensure consistency and quality.
- Employee Training: KFC employees undergo thorough training to ensure that they can accurately follow the cooking process and maintain the quality standards set by the company.
Conclusion
There you have it – the secrets of KFC’s cooking process! From preparation to cooking, KFC takes great care to ensure that their chicken meets the highest standards of quality and taste. With their proprietary recipe, pressure-frying technology, and rigorous quality control measures, it’s no wonder that KFC remains one of the world’s most beloved fast food chains.
Here’s a summary of the key points in table form:
Step | Description |
---|---|
Preparing | Boning, rinsing, and breading the chicken |
Pressure-Frying | Cooking the chicken in hot oil at high pressure |
Quality Control | Taste testing, equipment maintenance, and employee training |
Cooking Processes | Pressure-frying, kettle-frying, and grilling |
Recipe | KFC’s 11-herb, 11-spice secret recipe |
Now that you know the secrets of KFC’s cooking process, go ahead and indulge in that finger-licking goodness!