KFC Original vs Extra Crispy: 5 Differences You Need To Know (2024)

KFC is one of the most popular places to get some fast food and delicious meals made with fresh ingredients, but did you know the KFC fried chicken comes in various forms?

Today we are going to discover what is the difference between the KFC original recipe chicken and the new addition KFC extra crispy chicken. While most people will tell you it’s the same thing, there are a few things you need to know about both meals.

So, keep on reading to find out more details and be sure you are ordering the right one next time you are at a KFC restaurant.

What is KFC original?

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KFC original chicken is served in all KFC restaurants and over 20,000 locations all around the world. This amazing and secret recipe was created over 70 years ago and it remained the same to this day.

When KFC initially started making the staple original chicken the recipe could be found everywhere. Today, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the world.

The special blend of spices is so unique that KFC representatives always claim that no one knows what is added. One thing is for sure, the result is an amazing and delicious piece of chicken that tastes the same in every KFC restaurant around the world.

In 2016 one of the Colonel’s heirs made a public statement that he found the blend of spices used written on a piece of paper.

These are the alleged ingredients used: salt, thyme, black pepper, oregano, basil,celery salt, garlic salt, paprika, dried mustard, ground ginger, and white pepper.

This recipe was never confirmed, but our readers are more than welcome to try out the combination and make the famous recipe at home.

How is KFC’s original chicken made?

Each bite of the delicious KFC original chicken will taste the same because all the cooks have to go through the same preparation process as the creator did over 70 years ago.

There were a few different approaches in the beginning, while the recipe and preparation were perfected. But now, this chicken is prepared the same way where ever you go.

No one knows for sure about the exact preparation process, but we do know that KFC uses 11 herbs and spices to get that amazing taste. In addition, the chicken is then prepared using a pressure fryer in just eight minutes.

This cooking method made it possible to have a juicy piece of chicken that was well done, flavorful, and delicious.

A lot of things changed over the years as KFC made sure to keep up with trends, but the original chicken recipe is the one thing that remained the same. This is one of the products that created the entire KFC brand, after all.

What is KFC extra crispy?

When the KFC original recipe was well-established, the company added one more thing on the menu and that was the KFC extra crispy chicken back in 1970.

This was one more successful recipe that increased the popularity of the brand and forever divided the customers into those who love the original taste and those who like KFC crunchy chicken.

Just like every other recipe in this company, this one is also kept under a lock and only a few people know what goes into the spice blend. But, it’s comforting to know that even Colonel always claimed you have all the ingredients on your shelf.

Does this mean you can prepare the recipe at home? Well, many chefs tried over the years but no one got the perfect blend of spices so far.

All the secrecy around the famous recipes made people just want more crispy chicken and those delicious chicken bites that melt in your mouth.

How is KFC extra crispy made?

The recipe might be a secret, but there are a few things we know for sure about the preparation of the KFC extra crispy chicken.

The outer layer that adds that extra crunch is accomplished by hand double coating in the special blend of spices and breadcrumbs. Unlike the original, this crispy chicken is prepared by open frying.

This preparation enables the chicken to remain soft on the inside while it becomes golden-brown and crunchy on the outside.

But which one is better, KFC extra crispy or original? We will let you decide after reading our list on all the things that set them apart.

What is the difference between KFC original and extra crispy?

When we have the basic characteristics of both original and extra crispy KFC chicken you might be wondering how to tell them apart. Saying that extra crispy is just crunchier is not enough, so we made sure to find all the things you need to know about what sets them apart.

1. Texture

One of the main and the most obvious differences between the original and extra crispy chicken is the texture. It’s achieved by preparation and ingredients, as well as the frying method.

KFC’s original chicken is juicy and tender with a slight crisp on the edges and the chicken skin on the pieces. On the other hand, the extra crispy chicken is as the name suggests very crunchy on the outside and a bit dryer on the inside compared to the original.

This difference made the eternal battle between people who like that extra crunch and those who appreciate the taste of the original over the crispiness.

2. Taste

You might expect that the only difference is the texture, but in reality, the two dishes at KFC taste different as well.

There is no way to be sure what is the main difference in taste, but famous chefs and foodies around the world describe the original recipe as more flavorful and the crispy chicken as bland.

The difference in taste might also be due to different preparation methods. Open frying does dry out the meat more, so the juicy original recipe prepared in the pressure fryer might have more flavor in the meat.

This is why people are rooting for a hybrid that will have all the delicious flavors of the original chicken with the added crispiness of the extra crispy. Is KFC going to create such a meal? That remains to be seen.

3. Spices

The recipes for both meals at KFC are top secret and thus we are not 100% sure what spices are used, but one thing is for sure: they are not the same.

If you compare KFC original vs extra crispy side by side you will notice the more garlicky taste in the crispy chicken. This is just one of many hints and aromas you will taste but garlic is the one standing out the most.

Both blends of herbs and spices are obtained from different suppliers ensuring the top secrecy of the end recipe. This secrecy led many people to recreate the dishes at home and try to replicate the unique taste, but without success.

4. Appearance

Chicken from the KFC is one of the most recognizable things you can order in a fast-food restaurant, but can you tell original chicken apart from the extra crispy one?Here is how to know which one is it:

  • Extra crispy KFC chicken is bigger, with a golden crust and more batter on the outside. It’s usually darker brown because of the frying method.
  • Original KFC is lighter in appearance, with less breading and smoother edges.

Simply because the extra crispy chicken has double breading it looks completely different than the original. It’s also a bit heavier and will keep you full longer.

5. Preparation

At the end of the day, preparation is one of the most important things for any dish and KFC chicken is no different.

Extra crispy chicken is not just coated with two layers of breading by hand, but it’s also open fried. On the other hand, the KFC original chicken has one coat of the special spice blend and breading, and it’s prepared in a pressure fryer.

Even though the same high-quality chicken meat is used for both recipes the result is completely different.

Cooks that are making the dishes are taught not just to honor the recipe but also the preparation method, and even timing. Everything must come together to make the best-tasting chicken in the world.

Are KFC Original and Extra Crispy the same?

Many people think that KFC original chicken and KFC extra crispy chicken are the same things but foodies around the world know that they are different meals.

While we agree that both buckets of chicken from KFC are delicious you now know what makes the original unique and extra crispy chicken loved by many.

So, next time you are ordering at KFC, have some original chicken if you are in the mood for something juicy and flavorful. On the other hand, if you are craving something crunchy and delectable go for the extra crispy chicken.

Whichever you choose you can’t go wrong with any order at KFC, so go over the differences once again and try out all the options available.

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Michael Cook

Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!

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