Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC as it’s more commonly known, has been a staple of American fast food for decades. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1950s, the chain has grown to become one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world. But when did KFC come out with its iconic Extra Crispy recipe? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of KFC and explore the origins of its beloved Extra Crispy chicken.
A Brief History of KFC
Before we dive into the specifics of Extra Crispy, let’s take a brief look at the history of KFC. Colonel Harland Sanders, a cook and entrepreneur from Kentucky, opened his first restaurant, Sanders Court & Café, in the 1930s. The restaurant served a variety of dishes, including fried chicken, which quickly became a customer favorite.
In the early 1950s, Sanders perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, which he used to make his fried chicken. The recipe was a huge success, and soon Sanders was serving his fried chicken to travelers on the highway. In 1952, Sanders franchised his chicken business for the first time, and the first KFC franchise was born.
The Rise of KFC
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, KFC continued to grow and expand. The chain opened its first restaurant outside of Kentucky in 1956, and by the end of the decade, there were over 200 KFC locations across the United States.
In the 1970s, KFC went international, opening its first restaurant in Japan in 1970. The chain continued to expand globally throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and today there are over 24,000 KFC locations in more than 140 countries.
The Origins of Extra Crispy
So, when did KFC come out with its Extra Crispy recipe? According to KFC’s official website, the Extra Crispy recipe was introduced in the 1970s. However, the exact date is unclear.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, a former KFC executive revealed that the Extra Crispy recipe was developed in the early 1970s as a response to customer complaints about the original recipe being too greasy. The executive stated that the company’s chefs experimented with different cooking techniques and ingredients until they came up with the Extra Crispy recipe.
The Secret to Extra Crispy
So, what makes KFC’s Extra Crispy chicken so crispy? According to KFC’s website, the secret to Extra Crispy lies in the cooking process. The chicken is hand-breaded with a special seasoning blend and then pressure-cooked to seal in the juices. The chicken is then fried in a special oil blend that helps to create the crispy exterior.
In addition to the cooking process, KFC’s Extra Crispy chicken also contains a special ingredient called “crispy coating.” The crispy coating is a proprietary blend of ingredients that helps to create the crunchy exterior.
Comparison to Original Recipe
So, how does KFC’s Extra Crispy recipe compare to the original recipe? According to KFC’s website, the Extra Crispy recipe has a few key differences. The Extra Crispy recipe uses a lighter breading and a special seasoning blend that helps to create the crispy exterior. The original recipe, on the other hand, uses a heavier breading and a different seasoning blend.
In terms of taste, the Extra Crispy recipe is often described as crunchier and more flavorful than the original recipe. However, the original recipe has a more traditional, homemade taste that many customers prefer.
Marketing and Advertising
KFC has used a variety of marketing and advertising techniques to promote its Extra Crispy recipe over the years. In the 1970s and 1980s, the chain ran a series of television ads featuring Colonel Sanders and the slogan “Finger Lickin’ Good.”
In the 1990s and 2000s, KFC shifted its focus to print and online advertising. The chain ran a series of ads featuring the slogan “So Good” and emphasizing the quality and taste of its Extra Crispy chicken.
In recent years, KFC has turned to social media to promote its Extra Crispy recipe. The chain has run a series of ads and promotions on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, often featuring user-generated content and encouraging customers to share their own Extra Crispy experiences.
Impact on Sales
The introduction of Extra Crispy has had a significant impact on KFC’s sales over the years. According to a report by QSR Magazine, KFC’s sales increased by 10% in the year following the introduction of Extra Crispy.
In addition, the Extra Crispy recipe has helped to attract a new generation of customers to KFC. According to a report by Forbes, KFC’s Extra Crispy recipe has been particularly popular among younger customers, who are drawn to the chain’s crispy and flavorful chicken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the origins of KFC’s Extra Crispy recipe are unclear, but it’s believed to have been introduced in the 1970s. The recipe has been a huge success for the chain, attracting a new generation of customers and increasing sales.
Whether you prefer the original recipe or the Extra Crispy recipe, there’s no denying that KFC’s fried chicken is a beloved favorite around the world. So next time you’re in the mood for some finger-lickin’ good chicken, be sure to try KFC’s Extra Crispy recipe – your taste buds will thank you!
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Colonel Harland Sanders franchises his chicken business for the first time. |
| 1970s | KFC introduces its Extra Crispy recipe. |
| 1970 | KFC opens its first restaurant in Japan. |
| 1990s | KFC shifts its focus to print and online advertising. |
| 2000s | KFC continues to expand globally, opening new restaurants in Asia and Europe. |
- Colonel Harland Sanders perfects his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices.
- KFC introduces its Extra Crispy recipe, which becomes a huge success for the chain.
What is the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken is a proprietary blend of 11 herbs and spices that gives their fried chicken its signature crispy exterior and juicy interior. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to contain a combination of common spices and herbs such as salt, thyme, basil, and oregano, as well as some more unusual ingredients.
The Extra Crispy Recipe is a key component of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s success, and the company has gone to great lengths to protect it. The recipe is only known by a select few people within the company, and it is stored in a secure location. The secrecy surrounding the recipe has only added to its allure, and many fans of Kentucky Fried Chicken have attempted to reverse-engineer it over the years.
Who created the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken?
The Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken was created by the company’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders. Sanders was a cook in the US Army during World War I, and he later operated a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he also served food to travelers. He experimented with different recipes and seasonings until he came up with the Extra Crispy Recipe that would become the hallmark of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Sanders was a perfectionist, and he spent years refining his recipe until he was satisfied with the result. He eventually franchised his chicken business, and the Extra Crispy Recipe became a key part of the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand. Today, the company is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, and the Extra Crispy Recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
What makes the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken so crispy?
The Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken is crispy due to a combination of factors, including the type of flour used, the pressure frying process, and the proprietary blend of herbs and spices. The company uses a special type of flour that is designed to produce a crispy exterior, and the pressure frying process helps to seal in the juices and create a crunchy texture.
The proprietary blend of herbs and spices also plays a key role in the crispiness of the Extra Crispy Recipe. The exact recipe is a secret, but it is known to contain ingredients that help to enhance the crunchiness of the chicken. The company has also developed a special cooking process that helps to achieve the perfect balance of crunchiness and juiciness.
Is the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken still made with the same ingredients as when it was first created?
The Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken is still made with many of the same ingredients that were used when it was first created by Colonel Harland Sanders. However, the company has made some changes to the recipe over the years in response to changing consumer preferences and advances in food technology.
Despite these changes, the company has remained committed to using high-quality ingredients and adhering to the principles of the original recipe. The Extra Crispy Recipe is still made with a proprietary blend of 11 herbs and spices, and the company uses a special type of flour and a pressure frying process to achieve the signature crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Can I make the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken at home?
While it is possible to make a version of the Extra Crispy Recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken at home, it is unlikely that you will be able to exactly replicate the original recipe. The company has gone to great lengths to protect its proprietary blend of herbs and spices, and the exact recipe is only known by a select few people within the company.
However, there are many copycat recipes available online that claim to approximate the Extra Crispy Recipe. These recipes often use a combination of common spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, and may also include some more unusual ingredients. While these recipes may not be exact replicas of the original, they can still produce delicious and crispy fried chicken.
How does Kentucky Fried Chicken ensure the quality of its Extra Crispy Recipe?
Kentucky Fried Chicken ensures the quality of its Extra Crispy Recipe through a combination of rigorous quality control measures and a commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The company has a team of quality control specialists who monitor the production process to ensure that every piece of chicken meets the company’s high standards.
The company also has a strict set of guidelines for its franchisees, who are required to adhere to the company’s proprietary cooking process and use only approved ingredients. This helps to ensure that every piece of Kentucky Fried Chicken, regardless of where it is purchased, meets the company’s high standards for quality and taste.
Will Kentucky Fried Chicken ever reveal the secret of its Extra Crispy Recipe?
It is unlikely that Kentucky Fried Chicken will ever reveal the secret of its Extra Crispy Recipe. The company has gone to great lengths to protect its proprietary blend of herbs and spices, and the secrecy surrounding the recipe has become an integral part of the company’s brand identity.
The company has stated publicly that it will never reveal the secret of the Extra Crispy Recipe, and it has taken steps to protect the recipe from being reverse-engineered or stolen. While fans of Kentucky Fried Chicken may continue to speculate about the ingredients and cooking process used to make the Extra Crispy Recipe, the company is committed to keeping the secret safe.