Indulge in the smoky and savory flavors of the South with our Kentucky Grilled Chicken recipe. This iconic dish pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Kentucky, combining tender chicken pieces with a secret blend of herbs and spices, creating a finger-licking good meal that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Join us as we explore the history, techniques, and step-by-step instructions to recreate this mouthwatering and beloved Kentucky favorite.

Kentucky Grilled Chicken, often referred to as KFC, is a renowned fast-food staple that has become synonymous with Southern comfort food. The original recipe was developed by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1930s, who began selling his unique blend of herbs and spices to local diners.

Sanders’ secret recipe and cooking techniques gained popularity, leading to the founding of Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1950s. While the traditional KFC recipe is known for its deep-fried chicken, our grilled variation offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative.

PREP: 5 MIN. + MARINATING

GRILL: 40 MIN.

MAKES: 10 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 8 pieces of chicken (any combination of legs, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will serve as the marinade and seasoning for the chicken.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
5. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
6. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill, skin side down. Reserve the marinade for basting.
7. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the cooking process to enhance the flavors and moisture.
8. Remove the grilled Kentucky Grilled Chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
9. Serve the Kentucky Grilled Chicken hot, allowing its smoky flavors to shine. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes, for a complete Southern-inspired meal.