KFC has always attributed the deliciousness of its chicken to a ‘secret blend of herbs and spices’, a secret that was kept tightly guarded for many years. The fast-food chain made sure that its fried chicken recipe remained hidden from public view for a significant amount of time.
For decades, KFC managed to keep this secret under wraps, convincing many that no other establishment could match their distinctive taste.
With a reliable product and exceptional marketing – so effective that the phrase ‘finger lickin’ good’ instantly brings KFC to mind – they successfully competed with other industry giants.
However, this closely guarded secret eventually made its way into the public domain, thanks to an unexpected source – Colonel Sanders’ nephew, Joe Ledington.
Several years ago, Ledington revealed the details to the world.
Colonel Sanders had previously told customers that the ingredients for the seasoning could be found in their kitchens, but attempts to replicate the flavor with salt, pepper, or garlic never quite matched the original.
That changed when Jay Jones, a reporter from the Chicago Tribune, managed to arrange a meeting with Ledington, who revealed the secret recipe.
Instead of being secured in a vault, the recipe was actually written in a family scrapbook, on the back of the will of Ledington’s aunt, Claudia.
Handwritten in blue ink, the list was titled: “11 Spices — Mix With 2 Cups White Fl.”
Ledington mentioned: “That is the original 11 herbs and spices that were supposed to be so secretive.”
Later, he seemed to reconsider, stating: “It could be; I don’t know for sure.”
The key ingredients of the recipe include four tablespoons of paprika, three tablespoons of white pepper, and two tablespoons of garlic salt.
Ledington identified white pepper as the primary ingredient, calling it the secret ingredient. “The main ingredient is white pepper,” he said. “I call that the secret ingredient. Nobody (in the 1950s) knew what white pepper was. Nobody knew how to use it.”
Additional herbs and spices in the mix include thyme, basil, oregano, and various types of salt – not just ordinary salt.
The handwritten note indicated that the ’11 herbs and spices’ involved three different kinds of salt – garlic, regular, and, surprisingly, celery salt.
Dried mustard and pepper give it a slightly spicy flavor, with ground ginger adding the final touch.
After obtaining the ingredients, the news outlet followed the note to recreate the recipe and confirmed it was indeed ‘finger lickin’ good’.
Nevertheless, there’s something special about enjoying the authentic KFC experience from the source, isn’t there?