The Famous KFC Coleslaw Recipe You Can Make at Home
If you’re a fan of KFC’s famous coleslaw, you’re not alone. This creamy, tangy side dish has become a classic that pairs perfectly with the fried chicken KFC is known for. The good news is that you don’t have to leave home to enjoy this iconic recipe. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate the famous KFC coleslaw right in your own kitchen. This homemade version is as delicious and satisfying as the original, making it the perfect addition to your family meals, barbecues, or just about any occasion.
In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the best copycat KFC coleslaw. Whether you’re a first-time maker or a seasoned home cook, this recipe will help you bring the taste of KFC to your table.
Ingredients for KFC-style Coleslaw
Before you get started, let’s look at the essential ingredients that make KFC coleslaw so special. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need any unusual or hard-to-find ingredients, just a few common items you probably already have in your pantry.
- Shredded Cabbage: The primary base of the coleslaw. It provides the signature crunch and is the bulk of the recipe. You can use pre-shredded cabbage from the store or shred it yourself for a fresher, more personalized touch.
- Carrots: Carrots add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the coleslaw. They balance the sharpness of the cabbage and the tangy dressing.
- KFC Coleslaw Dressing: The dressing is the heart of the KFC coleslaw recipe. It’s creamy, sweet, and tangy, and what gives KFC’s version its distinctive flavor. Making this dressing at home is easy and only requires a few ingredients.
- Mayonnaise: A key component of the creamy dressing. Mayonnaise provides the rich, smooth texture that gives the coleslaw its comforting creaminess.
- Vinegar: This adds the tangy note that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and balances the flavors in the dressing.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar is essential to add sweetness to the dressing, making it irresistible.
- Milk: Used to thin the dressing and give it a smooth consistency.
- Lemon Juice: For an extra layer of tang, lemon juice works wonderfully to enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the dressing and coleslaw to your taste.
Optional ingredients include green onions or feta cheese, which some recipes suggest to add extra flavor or texture, but they’re not essential for the traditional KFC taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for KFC Coleslaw
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process of making the famous KFC coleslaw at home.
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the cabbage and carrots. If you’re using a whole cabbage, cut it in half and then into quarters. Remove the core, and then slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. If you’re not a fan of cutting cabbage, you can purchase pre-shredded cabbage from your local grocery store.
Grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor. You want them to be finely shredded, just like in the original KFC recipe. The finer the pieces, the better they’ll blend with the cabbage and dressing.
2. Make the Dressing
Now comes the fun part: making the dressing! In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, milk, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you prefer more tang, increase the amount of vinegar.
You want the dressing to have a creamy consistency but also enough tang to balance the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, and gently toss everything together with tongs or a large spoon. Make sure the dressing coats all the cabbage and carrots evenly.
4. Let it Rest
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, and it also softens the cabbage slightly, making it more tender. You can let it sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours for even better flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the coleslaw has rested, give it a quick stir before serving. You’ll notice that the cabbage has softened, and the flavors have blended perfectly. Serve your homemade KFC coleslaw alongside your favorite meals, and watch as everyone devours it.
Tips for Making the Perfect Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Achieving that signature KFC coleslaw taste and texture at home is easy with a few helpful tips:
- Shred the Cabbage Finely: The finer the cabbage, the more similar your coleslaw will be to the KFC version. It gives the coleslaw a delicate texture that is essential to the overall experience.
- Chill the Coleslaw: Letting the coleslaw chill in the fridge not only allows the flavors to meld, but it also helps the dressing to thicken and coat the vegetables better.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: While it’s tempting to dive into the coleslaw right away, the flavors develop best after the coleslaw has sat for a while. Aim for at least an hour of chilling time.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, feel free to increase the amount of sugar in the dressing. Start with the suggested amount, taste it, and adjust until it’s just right for you.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This recipe can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or serving at parties. The coleslaw keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time.
The Secret to the KFC Coleslaw Dressing
The magic of KFC coleslaw is all in the dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the crunchy cabbage and carrots. To recreate this dressing at home, the key ingredients are:
- Mayonnaise: This gives the dressing its creamy base and rich texture. Be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise for the best consistency and flavor.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is used for its tangy bite. It balances the richness of the mayo and adds that unmistakable tang KFC coleslaw is known for.
- Sugar: The perfect amount of sugar ensures the dressing is sweet but not overly so. The sugar softens the sharpness of the vinegar.
- Milk: This thins the dressing to the right consistency and makes it smooth and pourable.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice enhances the dressing’s flavor with an additional layer of tang.
How to Serve and Store Your KFC Coleslaw
KFC-style coleslaw is versatile and can be served in many ways. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, BBQ meats, sandwiches, and even as a topping for tacos. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- Alongside Fried Chicken: Naturally, KFC coleslaw is the perfect side for fried chicken. The creamy, tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, making each bite more enjoyable.
- As a Topping: Coleslaw can be used as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or burgers.
- As a Salad: If you’re looking for a light meal, serve it with some grilled chicken or alongside a leafy green salad.
To store your leftover coleslaw, simply transfer it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate as it sits.
Adjusting the Recipe for Larger Servings
This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re serving a large group. To make a larger batch, simply double or triple the quantities of cabbage, carrots, and dressing. Be sure to adjust the seasoning (especially the vinegar and sugar) to maintain the balance of flavors.
When making a large batch, it’s essential to use a large mixing bowl to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Once the coleslaw is made, allow it to chill for a bit longer, as larger quantities may need extra time for the flavors to meld.
Why KFC Coleslaw is the Perfect Side Dish
KFC coleslaw is the ideal side dish because of its balanced flavors and textures. The crisp cabbage paired with the smooth, creamy dressing makes for a satisfying experience that complements many main dishes. The coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to heavier or fried foods, making it the perfect accompaniment to meals like fried chicken, BBQ, or sandwiches.
Making Your KFC Coleslaw Recipe Healthier
If you’re looking for a healthier version of KFC-style coleslaw, consider making a few substitutions. You can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed option. Reducing the amount of sugar in the dressing can also help cut down on calories while still keeping the delicious taste.
Another option is to swap the regular cabbage with a more nutrient-dense variety, like kale or a mix of cabbage and leafy greens.
KFC’s famous coleslaw is easy to replicate at home, and once you’ve tasted the homemade version, you may never go back to the store-bought kind. With the right balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, this coleslaw pairs perfectly with a variety of meals and is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or barbecue. So, roll up your sleeves and start creating this classic recipe in your own kitchen today!