🧈 Homestyle KFC Biscuits – Golden, Fluffy, Southern-Style Comfort
🥖 Introduction:
KFC-style biscuits are one of the most beloved comfort foods in Southern cuisine. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and golden brown, they make the perfect sidekick to fried chicken, gravy, or simply a dollop of honey or jam. This recipe recreates that classic fast-food magic with a homemade twist—made with pantry staples and loads of love.
Whether served fresh for breakfast, as a side for lunch, or a warm evening snack, these biscuits bring warmth to the table and smiles to everyone’s face.
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chilled salted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 2/3 cup whole milk (very cold, preferably full-fat)
Optional (for brushing):
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the golden finish)
🍽️ Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. - Cut in the Butter:
Add chilled butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs (pea-sized butter chunks should remain). - Add Milk:
Slowly pour in cold milk. Stir gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Do not overmix—you want the dough soft and shaggy. - Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it down to about ¾-inch thickness. Fold the dough in half and pat again—repeat this folding 2–3 times for flaky layers. - Cut Biscuits:
Using a round biscuit cutter (or a glass), cut out biscuits and place them on the baking sheet. Place biscuits close together for softer sides, or spaced apart for crisper edges. - Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown on top. - Brush with Butter:
For that KFC-style finish, brush hot biscuits with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
🔬 Methods:
- Cold Ingredients Are Key: Cold butter and milk ensure your biscuits puff up with flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Overhandling the dough makes biscuits tough.
- Layering Technique: Folding the dough creates steam pockets = fluffy layers.
📜 History:
Biscuits are a proud tradition in Southern U.S. cooking. During the 19th century, they became a staple because they were quick, affordable, and filling. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), founded in 1952 by Colonel Harland Sanders, helped popularize the iconic biscuit nationwide as part of their comfort-driven, home-style meals.
🌿 Benefits:
- Quick & Easy: No yeast or rising time.
- Versatile: Great with butter, jam, honey, gravy, or fried chicken.
- Comfort Food: Warm, buttery bites that soothe the soul.
- Affordable: Made with common kitchen ingredients.
⚙️ Formation (How They Rise):
- Baking Powder + Cream of Tartar: These leavening agents react to create carbon dioxide bubbles, helping biscuits puff.
- Butter Chunks: As they melt, they release steam, creating airy, flaky layers.
🧠 Nutrition (Per Biscuit – Approximate):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
(Based on 8 biscuits total)
❤️ Lovers of KFC Biscuits:
- Southern Families: Biscuits are a mealtime essential.
- Fast-Food Fans: They crave the nostalgia of KFC’s side dishes.
- Home Bakers: Love recreating restaurant favorites at home.
- Children: Adore them with honey or strawberry jam.
- Breakfast Buffs: Pair them with eggs and sausage.
📚 Conclusion:
These homemade KFC-style biscuits are more than just bread—they’re a celebration of Southern culture, comfort, and connection. Each bite is flaky, buttery, and satisfying, making them irresistible to all who taste them. Serve them fresh, share with family, and let these warm biscuits become a staple in your kitchen traditions.
Would you like me to create a version with cheese, buttermilk, or even a sweet glaze next?