For decades, KFC’s coleslaw has been the unsung hero of the fast-food world, a creamy, tangy side dish that perfectly complements the Colonel’s famous fried chicken. But what if you could recreate this iconic coleslaw in your own kitchen? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on KFC’s closely guarded recipe, giving you the inside scoop on how to make this beloved side dish at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a coleslaw that’s so close to the original, they’ll think you’ve got a secret connection to Colonel Sanders himself!
The Secret Ingredients Behind KFC’s Coleslaw
At the heart of KFC’s coleslaw is a combination of simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. The base of the slaw is finely chopped green cabbage and carrots, providing that signature crunch and texture. But it’s the dressing that truly sets this coleslaw apart. A creamy mixture of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and milk forms the base, while sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tanginess from lemon juice and vinegar.
One of the key elements that gives KFC’s coleslaw its distinctive flavor is the addition of grated onion. This seemingly small detail packs a powerful punch, infusing the entire dish with a subtle yet unmistakable onion flavor that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s this attention to detail that has kept KFC’s coleslaw a fan favorite for generations.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, it’s crucial to use the right proportions of each ingredient. Too much sugar can make the coleslaw cloying, while too much vinegar can overpower the other flavors. The beauty of making this recipe at home is that you can adjust these elements to suit your personal taste preferences.
Tip: For the best flavor, use real buttermilk instead of a milk and vinegar substitute. The authentic tang of buttermilk makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
When it comes to preparing the vegetables, a food processor can be your best friend. KFC’s coleslaw is known for its finely chopped texture, which can be time-consuming to achieve by hand. A food processor with a shredding attachment can make quick work of the cabbage and carrots, giving you that perfect KFC-style consistency in a fraction of the time.
Remember, the key to a great coleslaw is in the preparation. Take your time to chop the vegetables finely and evenly. This not only ensures a consistent texture throughout the dish but also allows the dressing to coat each piece of vegetable evenly, resulting in a more flavorful slaw.
Mastering the KFC Coleslaw Technique
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the technique that makes KFC’s coleslaw so special. The first step is to prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates a creamy, tangy base that will coat every piece of vegetable.
Next comes the crucial step of combining the dressing with the vegetables. Instead of simply dumping the chopped cabbage and carrots into the dressing, add them gradually, stirring gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This method prevents the vegetables from becoming waterlogged and helps maintain that perfect creamy-crunchy balance that KFC’s coleslaw is famous for.
One of the secrets to achieving that authentic KFC flavor is allowing the coleslaw to chill for several hours before serving. This resting period gives the flavors time to meld and develop, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Ideally, you should refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is even better if you can resist the temptation to dig in right away!
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can serve the coleslaw immediately, but be prepared for a slightly different flavor profile. The chilling time really does make a difference in the final taste.
When it’s time to serve, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing. You may notice that it’s quite wet – this is intentional and part of what makes KFC’s coleslaw so unique. If you prefer a drier slaw, you can serve it with a slotted spoon to drain off some of the excess dressing.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade KFC Coleslaw
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making KFC-style coleslaw at home, let’s talk about how to serve and store it. This coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Of course, it’s the perfect accompaniment to fried chicken, but don’t limit yourself! Try it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos or pulled pork.
When it comes to storing your homemade coleslaw, proper food safety is key. Always keep the coleslaw refrigerated when not serving, and use an airtight container to maintain freshness. The coleslaw will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, although the texture may change slightly over time as the vegetables continue to release water.
If you find yourself with leftovers, consider repurposing the coleslaw in creative ways. It makes a great addition to wraps or sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor and crunch. You can also use it as a base for a quick and easy coleslaw soup – simply blend the leftover slaw with some chicken broth and a touch of cream for a unique and delicious meal.
Tip: If your coleslaw becomes too watery after a day or two in the fridge, you can refresh it by draining off the excess liquid and adding a small amount of fresh dressing.
For those who are health-conscious, it’s worth noting that while this coleslaw is delicious, it’s not exactly low in calories. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can experiment with using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of some of the full-fat mayo. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Finally, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this classic recipe. While the goal is to recreate KFC’s iconic coleslaw, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers, apple, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. The beauty of making it at home is that you have the freedom to customize it to your liking.
With this insider recipe and tips, you’re now equipped to bring the taste of KFC’s famous coleslaw into your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, pairing it with your homemade fried chicken, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this coleslaw is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to be amazed at how close you can get to the real thing. Who knows? You might even find that you prefer your homemade version to the original!
KFC-Style Coleslaw
Course: Side DishCuisine: American4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalRecreate the iconic KFC coleslaw at home with this copycat recipe that rivals the original!
Ingredients
8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons finely grated onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture forms the base of your dressing, perfectly balancing tangy and sweet flavors.
- Add the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, and grated onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the vegetables into the dressing, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that signature KFC coleslaw texture and flavor distribution.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, resulting in that classic KFC coleslaw taste and texture.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar to suit your preferences. Remember, the coleslaw will be quite wet, which is characteristic of the KFC version.
- Serve chilled as a side dish to your favorite fried chicken, barbecue, or any meal that could use a creamy, tangy accompaniment. For the authentic KFC experience, use a slotted spoon to serve, allowing excess dressing to drain off if desired.
Notes
- For the best texture, use a food processor to finely chop the cabbage and shred the carrots. This will give you the signature KFC coleslaw consistency.
- Use real buttermilk for the most authentic flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- This recipe makes a very wet coleslaw, just like KFC’s version. If you prefer a drier slaw, you can reduce the amount of milk or serve with a slotted spoon.
- The coleslaw will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions About KFC-Style Coleslaw
Q: Can I make this KFC coleslaw recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making this coleslaw ahead of time is recommended. Prepare the recipe as directed and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, resulting in that authentic KFC taste and texture. The coleslaw will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: While the original KFC coleslaw recipe isn’t particularly low in calories, you can make some adjustments to create a lighter version. Try substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, use a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar, and opt for low-fat milk and buttermilk. Keep in mind that these changes may alter the taste and texture slightly, but you’ll still end up with a delicious coleslaw.
Q: Why is my coleslaw so watery?
A: The KFC-style coleslaw is intentionally quite wet, which is part of its signature taste and texture. If you find it too watery for your liking, you can reduce the amount of milk in the recipe or serve the coleslaw with a slotted spoon to drain off excess dressing. Remember, the coleslaw will also release some liquid as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw recipe?
A: While the classic KFC coleslaw recipe sticks to cabbage, carrots, and onions, you can certainly experiment with adding other vegetables if you’d like. Thinly sliced bell peppers, chopped broccoli stems, or shredded red cabbage could all work well. Just keep in mind that adding extra vegetables may change the overall flavor and texture, moving it further from the original KFC taste.
