KFC, Fried Chicken, ORIGINAL RECIPE, Breast, meat and skin with breading
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
This is the iconic, original recipe chicken breast from KFC, a juicy, tender cut of white meat encased in a crispy, golden-brown breading seasoned with their famous blend of 11 herbs and spices. The texture offers a satisfying crunch giving way to a moist, flavorful interior. Nutritionally, it's a significant source of protein, providing over 21 grams per 100g, but its caloric density comes primarily from the fat in the skin and frying process.
Calorie split: 38% protein · 11% carbs · 51% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for the nostalgic, crave-worthy combination of savory, umami-rich seasoning and the perfect contrast between the shatteringly crisp coating and the succulent meat inside. It's a cultural staple of American fast food, representing comfort, convenience, and a specific, beloved flavor profile.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content from the seasoning and breading can be a concern for blood pressure management, and the frying process adds significant saturated fat. To counteract this, pair it with a large, fiber-rich side salad or steamed vegetables to add volume and nutrients, and practice portion control by choosing a single breast as part of a balanced meal rather than a multi-piece combo.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Provides essential B vitamins like niacin and B6
- Contains minerals such as selenium and phosphorus
- Offers a convenient, ready-to-eat protein source
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original recipe's seasoning blend is so closely guarded that it's reportedly kept in a 770-pound safe, and only two company executives at a time are allowed to know the complete mixture.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 56.2 g |
| Energy | 231 kcal |
| Energy | 966 kj |
| Protein | 21.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 13.1 g |
| Ash | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 6.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 5.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 33.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.60 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 25.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 225 mg |
| Potassium, K | 267 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 606 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.81 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.14 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 22.4 ug |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.12 mg |
| Niacin | 8.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.33 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.31 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 17.0 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.61 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.7 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.55 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.19 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.08 g |
| Cholesterol | 81.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.17 g |
| Threonine | 0.71 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.64 g |
| Leucine | 1.3 g |
| Lysine | 0.94 g |
| Methionine | 0.31 g |
| Cystine | 0.25 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.83 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.66 g |
| Valine | 0.79 g |
| Arginine | 1.2 g |
| Histidine | 0.52 g |
| Alanine | 1.2 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.5 g |
| Glutamic acid | 5.1 g |
| Glycine | 1.8 g |
| Proline | 1.7 g |
| Serine | 0.84 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.63 g |
FAQ
Is KFC Original Recipe chicken healthy?
It's a high-protein food but is also high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat due to the skin and frying method. It can fit into a balanced diet in moderation, especially when paired with vegetables and mindful of portion size.
What makes the breading crispy?
The crispiness comes from a combination of the seasoned flour coating and the deep-frying process at a controlled temperature, which dehydrates the surface and creates a rigid, crunchy layer.
Can I reheat it to keep it crispy?
The best method is to reheat it in an oven or air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the coating better than a microwave, which can make it soggy.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.31 kcal/g · 38% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.27 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.