KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Create That Famous Taste at Home

Introduction

When you think of KFC, one of the first things that come to mind (besides their fried chicken, of course) is their signature coleslaw. With its creamy texture, perfect balance of sweetness and tang, and finely shredded cabbage, KFC’s coleslaw has become a beloved side dish for many. But what if you could recreate that famous flavor in your own kitchen? Well, you can!

This KFC-style coleslaw recipe is a spot-on copycat, giving you that restaurant-style coleslaw with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing for a family BBQ, serving it with fried chicken, or just craving that classic comfort food, this coleslaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, detailed steps, helpful tips, and storage advice to make sure your homemade KFC-style coleslaw tastes just as good (if not better) than the original. Plus, we’ve got some extra tips on how to personalize it to your taste!

Ingredients

To make this KFC-style coleslaw at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (finely shredded is key for the authentic KFC texture)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots (for that nice color and crunch)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions (optional, but it adds depth to the flavor)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (the creaminess you need)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for that extra zing)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (this gives the coleslaw a nice sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but it adds a tangy kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season to your preference)

Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious KFC-style coleslaw!

1. Prepare the cabbage and carrots: The first step is to finely shred the cabbage and carrots. For an authentic texture, you want the cabbage to be shredded as finely as possible. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin slicer, or a food processor to do this quickly and efficiently. The finer the shred, the closer it will resemble the KFC version.
2. Add the shredded carrots: Once you’ve shredded your cabbage, add in the shredded carrots. The carrots give a nice pop of color and a slight sweetness to the coleslaw.
3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is the magic sauce that makes your coleslaw creamy and gives it that signature tangy flavor that KFC is known for.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots mixture. Toss everything together with tongs or a spoon until the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing. Be gentle to keep the cabbage from bruising.
5. Let it chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavors meld together as it chills, and the coleslaw becomes even more delicious. Plus, the cabbage softens slightly, making it easier to eat.
6. Serve and enjoy: After the coleslaw has had time to chill, give it a quick stir to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Then, serve it as a side dish with your favorite meals. It’s especially tasty with fried chicken, burgers, or a nice grilled meal.

Recipe Notes

• Customization tips: If you’re looking for a bit of added flavor, you can incorporate finely chopped green onions or a small amount of celery for extra crunch. Some people even like to add a splash of hot sauce for a little heat, so feel free to experiment with flavors that suit your taste.
• Balancing sweetness and tang: KFC’s coleslaw is known for its perfect balance between sweet and tangy. If you like your coleslaw sweeter, you can add a little more sugar. If you prefer it more tangy, increase the amount of vinegar and lemon juice.
• Make it your own: While this recipe is a close copy of the KFC coleslaw, you can always adjust the ingredients. For example, try using a different type of mustard for a unique flavor or substitute some of the mayo for Greek yogurt to make it lighter.

Time & Serving Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Storage

• How to Store: Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a stir before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: In fact, coleslaw tastes better after it’s had time to chill and marinate, so feel free to make it up to 1 day in advance. This gives the flavors more time to blend together and makes the dish even more flavorful!

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Use finely shredded cabbage: The key to authentic KFC-style coleslaw is finely shredded cabbage. The smaller, the better, as it allows the dressing to coat the cabbage more evenly.
• Chill for at least an hour: This step is crucial. Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together, making the texture creamier and the taste more robust.
• Adjust to your preference: Everyone has their own idea of the perfect coleslaw. Feel free to tweak the sweetness and tang to suit your personal preferences. You can also experiment with the level of creaminess by adding more or less mayo.

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it – your very own KFC-style coleslaw recipe! With its creamy dressing, finely shredded cabbage, and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this coleslaw will be a hit at your next family dinner, BBQ, or picnic. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and just as delicious as the original. Plus, with this copycat recipe, you can now enjoy KFC-style coleslaw any time you want, right at home.