Fluffy KFC-Style Biscuits Recipe
Nothing says comfort food like warm, fluffy biscuits fresh from the oven. Inspired by the beloved KFC biscuits, this recipe will guide you through making tender, buttery biscuits that are perfect for any meal. These biscuits are great as a side for fried chicken, with gravy for breakfast, or simply enjoyed with butter and honey.
Ingredients
To recreate these iconic biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
- Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
- Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Small chunks of butter should still be visible.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
- Pour in Buttermilk: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk.
- Mix Gently: Stir the mixture gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 5: Shape and Cut Biscuits
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 3-4 times to bring it together.
- Roll Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut Biscuits: Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out biscuits. Press straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly. Gather any scraps, gently knead, and cut out more biscuits.
Step 6: Bake
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the biscuits close together on the prepared baking sheet for soft-sided biscuits or spaced apart for crispier edges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve Warm: Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and buttermilk are very cold. This helps create flaky layers in the biscuits.
- Handle Gently: Overworking the dough can result in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Proper Baking Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F (232°C) before baking. The high heat helps the biscuits rise quickly.
- Butter Topping: For an extra buttery flavor, brush the tops of the hot biscuits with melted butter right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I store leftover biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1 teaspoon to prevent the biscuits from being too salty.
How can I make these biscuits even fluffier?
Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for maximum rise. Also, avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and fluffy.
Can I add cheese or herbs to the biscuits?
Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These KFC-style biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. With their tender crumb and buttery flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these biscuits are the perfect way to add a touch of homemade comfort to your table. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious biscuits with your loved ones!