Copycat KFC Fried Pickles Recipe

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Recently, KFC put their spin on this classic with their KFC Fried Pickles, and let me tell you—they’re everything you’d dream of in a fried snack. But why stop at ordering them when you can recreate this crispy goodness at home?

How to make KFC Fried Pickles

KFC Fried Pickles are a limited-time side or snack item offered by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) featuring crispy, crunchy pickle slices that are breaded and deep-fried in KFC’s signature seasoned coating.

Ingredients

To make KFC fried pickles, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

For the Pickles:

• 2 cups dill pickle slices (drain them well and pat dry with paper towels)
• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for frying)

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)

For the Batter:

• ¾ cup buttermilk (adds tang and helps the coating stick)
• 1 large egg

Suggested Sauces (Optional):

• Ranch dressing or Comeback sauce for dipping!

Instructions

Step 1: Drain your pickle slices and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is critical to ensure your breading adheres properly and doesn’t turn soggy during frying.

Step 2: Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 360°F (180°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature—this keeps your fried pickles crispy, not greasy.

Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.

Step 5: Working in small batches, dip each pickle slice first into the wet batter (made from buttermilk and egg), ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dredge the slice in the dry breading mix, pressing lightly to ensure the mixture sticks. Place the coated pickles on a plate or tray while you finish the batch.

Step 6: Carefully drop the breaded pickle slices into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch or comeback sauce are perfect pairings) and enjoy the crunch!

Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles

• Drain and Dry Thoroughly: Wet pickles can cause the batter to slide off, so pat them completely dry for better adhesion.
• Monitor Your Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady at 360°F. Dropping it too low can result in greasy pickles, while going too high may burn the coating.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry pickles in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and ensure even frying.
• Add a KFC Twist: For extra flavor, sprinkle the breading mix with KFC-inspired seasoning, such as a pinch of celery salt or extra paprika.
• Customize the Spice: Love heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the breading mix.
• Use Fresh Oil: Old oil can give fried food an overused or bitter taste. Fresh oil ensures a clean and crisp finish.

What to serve with

KFC fried pickles are a delightful snack or appetizer, but pairing them with complementary sides, main courses, and dips can elevate your meal to a whole new level.

1. Dips and Sauces

Dips can make or break a snacking experience, and KFC Fried Pickles are no exception. Here are some great options to complement the tangy, crunchy goodness:

Classic Pairings:

• Ranch Dressing: The creamy, herby notes of a good ranch dressing perfectly balance the zing of KFC Fried Pickles.
• Comeback Sauce: A Southern favorite, this tangy and slightly spicy mayo-based sauce is a match made in heaven.
• Spicy Aioli: A creamy aioli with a kick of garlic and heat from chili or sriracha is perfect for spice lovers.

Bold, Unique Sauces:

• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy honey mustard offers a pleasing contrast to the crispy, salty pickles.
• Buffalo Sauce: Drizzle some buffalo sauce over the pickles or serve on the side to add a burst of spicy flavor.
• Chipotle Mayo: A blend of smokiness and creaminess, this dip adds depth and richness to every bite.
• Tzatziki Sauce: For a Mediterranean twist, serve your pickles with a cool cucumber-yogurt tzatziki dip.

2. Perfect Side Dishes

If you’re serving KFC-style fried pickles as part of a meal or party platter, complement them with these side dishes for a satisfying spread:

Crispy and Fried Favorites:

• French Fries or Waffle Fries: No fry platter is complete without golden, crispy fries. You can choose classic French fries, waffle fries, or even seasoned curly fries for variety.
• Fried Chicken Wings: Fried pickles and wings go hand-in-hand. Choose classic buffalo wings, barbecue, or honey garlic for a mouthwatering pairing.

Light and Refreshing Additions:

• Coleslaw: A creamy or tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness of fried pickles.
• Garden Salad: A crisp salad with greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brings a healthy touch to your meal.
• Pickle-Slaw: Take the theme further with a cabbage slaw featuring thinly sliced pickles!

Southern-Inspired Pairings:

• Mac and Cheese: Creamy and indulgent, mac and cheese is a classic Southern pairing that delivers satisfying comfort food vibes.
• Cornbread or Hushpuppies: Sweet cornbread or deep-fried hushpuppies have a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the saltiness of fried pickles.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries contrasts wonderfully with the tanginess of the pickles.

3. Main Dishes for a Complete Meal

Transform fried pickles from a snack into part of a complete meal by pairing them with hearty entrees:

Chicken Entrées:

• Fried Chicken: The signature KFC pairing is, of course, fried chicken! Crispy chicken tenders, wings, or bone-in fried chicken thighs make a classic combo.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A juicy grilled chicken sandwich pairs perfectly with fried pickles as a crispy topping or as a side.
• Chicken and Waffles: Add fried pickles as an unexpected but delicious extra topping to this sweet-and-savory Southern favorite.

Burger Ideas:

• Cheeseburgers: Serve fried pickles on the side of a juicy cheeseburger, or even use them as a burger topping.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pulled pork smothered in barbecue sauce goes beautifully with crispy fried pickles on the side.
• Veggie Burgers: Add variety and something tangy and crunchy to your plant-based burger meals with a side of fried pickles.

Seafood Combos:

• Fried Shrimp or Fish Tacos: The salty and tangy notes of pickles pair perfectly with fried or grilled shrimp and flaky fish served in soft tortillas.
• Fish and Chips: Go for a Southern spin by adding fried pickles as a fun and flavorful alternative to the chips.
• Crab Cakes: The rich taste of crab cakes is complemented by the tang of fried pickles and a dipping sauce, such as tartar or aioli.

4. Drinks to Wash It Down

A good drink pairing brings out the best in fried pickles and completes the experience:

Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a go-to pairing for drinks, especially at Southern-inspired spreads.
• Lemonade: The bright, citrusy tang of lemonade complements the vinegary tartness of pickles.
• Soda: Classic sodas like cola, root beer, or ginger ale cut through the richness of fried foods.

Alcoholic Pairings:

• Beer: Light lagers or pale ales pair wonderfully with fried pickles, balancing their crispiness and salt with a refreshing brew.
• Cocktails: Try something bold like a Bloody Mary garnished with pickles, or a whiskey sour for a tangy kick.

5. Platter Ideas for Parties

For gatherings, a themed or cohesive platter is a fun way to serve fried pickles. Here are some ideas:

• Southern Feast Platter: Fried pickles, fried chicken tenders, cornbread, mac and cheese, and coleslaw served with ranch and sweet tea.
• Game Day Appetizer Platter: Fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, and chips with queso or guacamole.
• Pub-Style Snack Platter: Fried pickles, onion rings, potato skins, and pretzel bites served with beer cheese dip and mustard.

Ingredients Substitutes

KFC Fried Pickles are a delicious snack with a crispy coating and tangy pickles inside. If you’re looking to make this treat at home but need to substitute some of the ingredients, here’s a guide:

Pickles:

Substitute: If you can’t find dill pickles, you can use any other type of pickled cucumber as a substitute. Bread and butter pickles or sweet pickles can add a different flavor profile, although they will be less tangy. For a spicy kick, use pickled jalapeños or other pickled veggies.

All-purpose flour:

Substitute: Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. You can also use cornmeal for a coarser texture or almond flour for a low-carb version.

Cornstarch:

Substitute: Arrowroot powder functions similarly to cornstarch for a gluten-free coating. Potato starch is another suitable alternative.

Buttermilk:

Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, make a quick version by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before use. Plant-based milk like almond or soy combined with lemon juice or vinegar works for a vegan option.

Eggs:

Substitute: For egg allergies or vegan needs, use flaxseeds or chia seeds as a binder. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency (about 5 minutes).

Breadcrumbs:

Substitute: Use panko crumbs for an extra crispy texture. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Crushed pork rinds can work for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.

Spices and Seasonings (e.g., Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper):

Substitute: Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or chipotle powder for heat. Swap garlic and onion powder with dehydrated garlic or onion flakes if necessary. You can reduce salt for a low-sodium diet.

Oil for Frying:

Substitute: While vegetable oil is traditional, you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil, which have high smoke points ideal for frying. For a healthier option, you might consider baking or air frying rather than deep frying.

Final Thoughts

KFC fried pickles shine on their own but can also be part of so many exciting meals and platters.