Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC as it’s universally known, is a fast-food behemoth famous for one thing above all else: its fried chicken. But beyond the simple descriptor “fried chicken,” what exactly is KFC chicken called? The answer, like the Colonel’s secret recipe, is a bit more complex than you might initially think. It’s not just “KFC chicken,” but rather a collection of uniquely named and prepared products, each with its own dedicated following.
The Original Recipe: A Legacy of Flavor
The cornerstone of KFC’s success is undoubtedly its Original Recipe chicken. This isn’t just a generic term; it’s a specific product with a specific history, and a tightly guarded secret.
Harland Sanders and the Birth of an Icon
The story of Original Recipe chicken begins with Harland Sanders, the man who would become Colonel Sanders. He perfected his unique pressure-frying method and blend of 11 herbs and spices in the 1930s, long before the franchise we know today existed. The recipe was the heart of his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, and it’s what ultimately propelled him to national, and then global, fame.
The 11 Herbs and Spices: A Mystery Worth Millions
The exact composition of the 11 herbs and spices remains one of the best-kept secrets in the food industry. The recipe is famously locked in a vault and only a handful of people know its complete formulation. This mystery is a major part of the Original Recipe’s appeal. Over the years, countless attempts have been made to replicate it, but none have perfectly captured the essence of the Colonel’s original vision.
Preparation and Presentation
Original Recipe chicken isn’t just about the spice blend. The preparation method is crucial. Each piece is hand-breaded and pressure-cooked to achieve that signature crispy skin and juicy interior. It’s a process that requires skill and attention to detail, even in a fast-food setting. The taste is distinctive – a savory, slightly peppery flavor that has become synonymous with KFC itself. It’s the taste of nostalgia for many, and a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Extra Crispy Chicken: A Textural Revelation
While the Original Recipe laid the foundation, KFC has continuously innovated and expanded its menu. One of the most successful additions is Extra Crispy chicken. This variety offers a different textural experience compared to the Original Recipe.
The Pursuit of Maximum Crunch
Extra Crispy chicken is all about maximizing the crunch. This is achieved through a different breading process and a higher cooking temperature. The breading is often thicker and rougher, creating more surface area for crisping. The result is a chicken with a significantly louder and more satisfying crunch.
A Different Spice Profile?
While KFC maintains that the 11 herbs and spices form the base of all their chicken recipes, many believe that Extra Crispy chicken has a slightly different flavor profile than the Original Recipe. This could be due to the interaction of the spices with the different breading and cooking methods, or it could be a deliberate adjustment to cater to those who prefer a bolder, more pronounced flavor.
A Popular Alternative
Extra Crispy chicken quickly became a popular alternative to the Original Recipe, attracting customers who prefer a more intense crunch. It’s often cited as a favorite among younger generations. It demonstrates KFC’s ability to adapt to changing tastes while staying true to its core product.
Other KFC Chicken Offerings: Exploring the Menu
Beyond the Original Recipe and Extra Crispy, KFC’s menu features a range of other chicken options, each with its own unique name and characteristics.
Kentucky Grilled Chicken: A Healthier Option
Recognizing the growing demand for healthier fast-food choices, KFC introduced Kentucky Grilled Chicken. This option is marinated and grilled, rather than fried, resulting in a lower fat and calorie count. While it doesn’t possess the same crispy texture as the fried varieties, it offers a flavorful and healthier alternative.
Spicy Crispy Chicken: Turning Up the Heat
For those who crave a bit of heat, KFC offers Spicy Crispy Chicken. This variety features a breading that’s infused with chili peppers and other spices, delivering a noticeable kick. It caters to the growing popularity of spicy foods and provides a bolder flavor experience than the Original Recipe or Extra Crispy.
Popcorn Chicken: Bite-Sized Delights
Popcorn Chicken consists of small, bite-sized pieces of fried chicken. These are heavily breaded and seasoned, making them ideal for dipping and snacking. Its convenient format has made it popular with children and adults alike.
Chicken Littles: Miniature Sandwiches
Chicken Littles are small chicken sandwiches, typically featuring a single piece of fried chicken (often a smaller version of the Extra Crispy or a similarly breaded variety) on a bun with mayonnaise and pickles. They’re a smaller, more affordable option for those looking for a quick and easy meal.
Chicken Tenders: Strips of Flavor
KFC also offers Chicken Tenders, which are strips of chicken breast that are breaded and fried. These are similar to Extra Crispy chicken in texture and flavor, but are served in a convenient, easy-to-eat format. They’re often served with dipping sauces.
The Colonel’s Legacy: More Than Just a Name
The names of KFC’s chicken products are more than just marketing terms; they represent a carefully crafted brand identity and a commitment to quality and flavor. From the iconic Original Recipe to the innovative Extra Crispy, each variety offers a unique experience that appeals to a diverse range of tastes.
Consistency and Quality
Despite variations in preparation and flavor, all KFC chicken products share a common thread: a commitment to consistency and quality. KFC maintains strict standards for its ingredients and preparation methods to ensure that customers receive the same great taste, no matter where they are in the world. This commitment to quality has been crucial to the brand’s long-term success.
Innovation and Adaptation
KFC has demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The introduction of Kentucky Grilled Chicken and Spicy Crispy Chicken are examples of the company’s willingness to cater to evolving tastes and dietary concerns. This adaptability is essential for any fast-food chain that wants to remain relevant in a competitive market.
The Enduring Appeal of Fried Chicken
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of KFC’s chicken lies in the simple fact that people love fried chicken. It’s a comfort food that evokes feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction. KFC has successfully tapped into this universal craving by offering a variety of chicken options, each with its own unique flavor and texture.
In conclusion, when asking “What is KFC chicken called?” remember it’s not a singular answer. It’s a family of products, each with a distinct name reflecting its preparation and taste. The Original Recipe remains the heart of the brand, but the Extra Crispy, Grilled Chicken, Spicy Crispy, and other varieties contribute to KFC’s widespread appeal. The Colonel’s legacy lives on, not just in the taste of the chicken, but also in the names that represent a carefully cultivated brand identity.
What is the original name of KFC’s fried chicken?
The original name of KFC’s famous fried chicken was simply “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” This straightforward name reflected the product’s origin and preparation method, highlighting the Kentucky region and the fried chicken cooking style. It was a clear and direct way to communicate what customers were getting.
Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder, believed in simplicity and authenticity. The name served as a key element of his brand identity in the early days, building recognition and trust with customers who appreciated the straightforwardness and regional association. The focus was always on quality and taste rather than clever marketing jargon.
Why did Kentucky Fried Chicken change its name to KFC?
Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name to KFC primarily to shorten it and modernize the brand’s image. By the early 1990s, the phrase “fried” was becoming less appealing to health-conscious consumers. The company aimed to shed this association while still maintaining brand recognition.
Additionally, using initials simplified international marketing and branding efforts. KFC was expanding rapidly, and a shorter, more easily pronounceable name was beneficial for global reach. The change allowed for a fresher, more contemporary look without completely abandoning the established identity that had built decades of loyalty.
Is the recipe for KFC chicken actually secret?
Yes, the recipe for KFC’s fried chicken, often referred to as the “11 herbs and spices,” is indeed a closely guarded secret. KFC maintains a high level of security around the recipe, reportedly storing the handwritten original in a vault in Louisville, Kentucky. Only a select few individuals know the exact formulation.
While many have attempted to replicate the taste of KFC chicken, no competitor has been able to perfectly match it. This reinforces the enduring mystique and competitive advantage associated with the secret recipe. The secrecy itself is a major component of the brand’s appeal, contributing to its legendary status.
What are some common speculations about the KFC secret recipe?
Speculations about the KFC secret recipe are widespread and varied. Some common theories suggest that the recipe includes ingredients such as white pepper, garlic powder, paprika, ginger, and various herbs like oregano and thyme. Many amateur chefs and food bloggers have published their own versions, claiming to have cracked the code.
Despite the numerous attempts at replication, none have been definitively proven to match the authentic KFC flavor. These speculations only contribute to the intrigue surrounding the recipe, fueling the ongoing debate and fascination with what exactly makes KFC chicken taste so unique.
Who knows the KFC secret recipe?
The exact number of individuals who know the entire KFC secret recipe is very limited. It’s believed that only a handful of executives and suppliers have access to the full details. The company takes extreme precautions to protect this proprietary information.
Even those who know portions of the recipe may not know the entire thing. It’s rumored that the ingredients are prepared in different locations by different suppliers, ensuring that no single entity has complete knowledge. This layered approach further enhances the security and prevents the recipe from being leaked.
Has the KFC recipe ever been leaked?
While there have been claims and attempts to leak the KFC recipe over the years, none have been officially confirmed as accurate by KFC. Various publications and individuals have published what they believe to be the correct formula, but the company has consistently denied their authenticity.
It’s likely that some attempts have come close to replicating the taste, but the true, original recipe remains securely guarded. The persistence of these unverified leaks only adds to the mystique and reinforces the company’s commitment to keeping the recipe a secret.
How has the KFC recipe changed over time?
It’s difficult to definitively say how much the KFC recipe has changed since its original formulation by Colonel Sanders. While the core “11 herbs and spices” concept has remained central to the brand, subtle adjustments to ingredients and cooking methods are possible over the decades.
Changes in ingredient availability, processing techniques, and consumer preferences could have led to minor alterations in the preparation process. However, the overall flavor profile remains recognizably KFC. The company likely focuses on maintaining a consistent taste that honors the original recipe while adapting to modern culinary practices and ingredient sourcing.