The colonel's secret recipe revealed? Not so fast, says KFC (2024)

  • A reporter visited with Joe Ledington, a nephew of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Harland David Sanders
  • The reporter was working on a story for the Chicago Tribune about Corbin, Kentucky, where the colonel served his first fried chicken
  • At one point, Ledington pulled out a family scrapbook containing the last will and testament of Sanders' second wife, Claudia Ledington
  • On the back of the document is a handwritten list for a blend of 11 herbs and spices to be mixed with two cups of white flour
  • While Joe Ledington initially told the reporter that it was the original recipe, he later said that he didn't know for sure
  • KFCsays that the recipe the reporter saw is not the real thing

By Associated Press

Published: | Updated:

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KFC is insisting a recipe discovered in a scrapbook belonging to Colonel Sanders' nephew is not authentic.

However, that hasn't stopped rampant online speculation that one of the most legendary and closely guarded secrets in the history of fast food has been exposed.

It all started when a Chicago Tribune reporter visited with Joe Ledington, a nephew of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Harland David Sanders.

Joe Ledington, of Corbin, Kentucky, holds a 1980s photo of him with his uncle, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created his world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken in his Corbin cafe

A handwritten list of 11 herbs and spices, jotted down on the back of the will of Claudia Sanders, the late wife of Colonel Harland Sanders who created his world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken, is displayed

The reporter was working on a story for the Tribune's travel section about Corbin, Kentucky, where the colonel served his first fried chicken.

At one point, Ledington pulled out a family scrapbook containing the last will and testament of Sanders' second wife, Claudia Ledington.

On the back of the document is a handwritten list for a blend of 11 herbs and spices to be mixed with two cups of white flour.

While Joe Ledington initially told the reporter that it was the original recipe, he later said that he didn't know for sure.

Colonel Harland Sanders is pictured in this file photograph

Joanne Gould tried out the recipe that was discovered in the scrapbook. She said: 'I think it is safe to say that this is probably the correct original recipe'

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KFC — which is a subsidiary of Yum Brands Inc. — calls its recipe 'one of the biggest trade secrets in the world'.

It says that the recipe the reporter saw is not the real thing.

'Many people have made these claims over the years and no one has been accurate — this one isn't either,' KFC said in a statement.

The Louisville, Kentucky-based company says that the original recipe from 1940 handwritten by Sanders is locked up in a digital safe that's encased in two feet of concrete and monitored 24 hours a day by a video and motion detection surveillance system.

Joe Ledington could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

Above, a commemorative representation of the 11 secret herbs and spices Colonel Harland Sanders made famous in his recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken

THE ORIGINAL 11 SPICES SECRET RECIPE?

Prep: 30 minutes

Soak: 20-30 minutes

Cook: 15-18 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon dried thyme leaves

1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves

1/3 tablespoon dried oregano leaves

1 tablespoon celery salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon dried mustard

4 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons garlic salt

1 tablespoon ground ginger

3 tablespoons ground white pepper

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg, beaten

1 chicken, cut up, the breast pieces cut in half for more even frying

Expeller-pressed canola oil

1 Mix the flour in a bowl with all the herbs and spices; set aside.

2 Mix the buttermilk and egg together in a separate bowl until combined. Soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture at room temperature, 20-30 minutes.

3 Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip the chicken pieces in the herb-spice-flour mixture to coat all sides, shaking off excess. Allow to sit on a rack over a baking sheet, 20 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, heat about 3 inches of the oil in a large Dutch oven (or similar heavy pot with high sides) over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. (Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature.) When temperature is reached, lower the heat to medium to maintain it at 350. Fry 3 or 4 pieces at a time, being careful not to crowd the pot. Fry until medium golden brown, turning once, 15-18 minutes. Transfer chicken pieces to a baking sheet covered with paper towels. Allow the oil to return to temperature before adding more chicken. Repeat with remaining chicken.

- The Chicago Tribune

KFCChicago

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The colonel's secret recipe revealed? Not so fast, says KFC (4)

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The colonel's secret recipe revealed? Not so fast, says KFC (2024)

FAQs

What is the KFC secret recipe slogan? ›

The secret recipe is regularly identified with the phrase "eleven herbs and spices," the amount and identification of which remain a trade secret.

Do KFC employees know the secret recipe? ›

“It's kept in a vault in Kentucky,” she told UK documentary Secrets of the Fast Food Giants. “Across KFC, only two or three people actually know the exact recipe.” The fast food chain has two different factories to make part of its recipe so no one company would ever know the entire formula.

Why didn t Colonel Sanders like KFC? ›

However, that wasn't the only lawsuit between the two parties. During many of his appearances at KFC restaurants, Colonel Harland Sanders made it clear that he wasn't happy with how the chain had changed up its recipes for gravy and fried chicken.

Does KFC still use Colonel Sanders recipe? ›

It is where KFC's founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices more than 75 years ago. That recipe is still served today in KFCs everywhere.

What is the famous quote of KFC? ›

These concise captions will convey your love for KFC in just a few words.
  • Finger-lickin' good.
  • KFC vibes only.
  • Just wing it.
  • Craving satisfied.
  • Pure chicken bliss.
  • Chick magnet.
  • Temptation on a plate.
  • One bite, pure delight.

Where is the KFC secret recipe kept? ›

Recipes. A copy of the recipe, signed by Sanders, is stored within a vault at KFC's Louisville headquarters, along with 11 separate vials that each contain one of the ingredients.

What does KFC call their employees? ›

KFC Team Member (Customer Service or Cook)

When you join the KFC Brand, you join our Family!

Where to order KFC secret menu? ›

on the KFC app? All you have to do is open the menu on the app, pull down and hold for 11 seconds. until you see this red bar, and then tap it. There's always new things to try, and the latest is a brekky wrap, which has cheese, bacon tenders, a hash brown, and a tangy tomato sauce.

Does Colonel Sanders still own KFC? ›

KFC expanded internationally and he sold the company for two million dollars ($15.3 million today). Even today, Sanders remains central in KFC's branding and his face still appears in their logo. His goatee, white suit and western string tie continue to symbolize delicious country fried chicken all over the world.

Who is KFC owned by? ›

Yum Brands Inc., is a restaurant company that owns quick-service chains Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, as well as fast-casual brand The Habit Burger Grill. It is headquartered in Louisville, Ky. Yum Brands was initially part of PepsiCo, which entered the restaurant business in 1977 with the acquisition of Pizza Hut.

Did KFC get rejected 1009 times? ›

Kentucky Fried Chicken Begins

His delicious recipe was rejected 1,009 times! He had over a thousand rejections, yet he didn't quit. He knew he had a successful idea on his hands. Finally, Sanders made his first sale in 1952 to a restaurateur in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Why is KFC no longer Kentucky Fried Chicken? ›

Outside of chicken conspiracy theories, the company claimed publicly that the name change from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC was to shy away from the word “fried” for potential health-conscious patrons. The official reason KFC changed their name from Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1991?

What oil does KFC cook in? ›

Several menu items contain or have been prepared in fully refined soy oil, which according to the FDA is not an allergen. Also according to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization, studies show that most soy-allergic individuals may safely eat most types of soybean oil.

How much did Colonel Sanders sell KFC for? ›

By 1964, there were more than 600 franchised outlets for his chicken. In that same year, Sanders sold his interest in the company for $2 million, and remained a predominant spokesman.

What is the KFC catchy phrase? ›

Kentucky Fried Chicken Slogans
  • It's Finger Lickin' Good.
  • We do chicken right.
  • Life tastes better with KFC.
  • There's Fast Food, Then There's KFC.
  • Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun.
  • Your Chicken Could Never.
  • Nobody does chicken like KFC.
  • It's America's Country-Good Meal.
Apr 2, 2024

What is the KFC burger slogan? ›

Harman trademarked the phrase "It's finger lickin' good", which eventually became the company slogan.

What slogan did KFC suspend? ›

Kentucky Fried Chicken has decided to pause using its “finger lickin' good” slogan because … well, that's probably not the best idea right now.

What is the hidden meaning of the KFC logo? ›

The Meaning Behind the KFC Logo

The striking red color, for instance, represents passion and energy, mirroring the bold flavors of their famous fried chicken. Meanwhile, the iconic Colonel Sanders, the face of KFC, symbolizes tradition and authenticity, reminding us of the brand's rich history.

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