KFC Biscuits

Recreating restaurant favorites at home is a challenge I love taking on, and these KFC-style biscuits had me hooked from the start. I remember the first time I bit into one at KFC—flaky, buttery, and with just the right balance of crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. It was love at first bite. But here’s the thing: I always believed homemade versions could be even better.

After several attempts (and a few flour-covered kitchen disasters), I finally cracked the code. The secret? Cold butter, just the right kneading technique, and baking at a slightly higher temperature for that perfect golden brown finish. I also discovered that cream of tartar plays a key role in achieving that signature fluffy texture, so don’t skip it!

These biscuits come together quickly, making them perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or as a side for your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re slathering them with honey butter or serving them alongside fried chicken, these homemade KFC biscuits are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Short Description

These KFC-style biscuits are flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden brown. Made with simple pantry staples, they’re easy to whip up and pair beautifully with sweet or savory dishes.

Key Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chilled salted butter, cubed
• ⅔ cup milk

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter (or fork)
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter (or knife)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 415°F (213°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt. Sifting aerates the flour, making the biscuits lighter and fluffier.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial—those tiny butter pockets will melt in the oven, creating flaky layers.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Pour in the milk and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough biscuits.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead gently 3-4 times until smooth. Over-kneading will make the biscuits dense, so handle the dough as little as possible.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter (or a knife to cut squares). Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more biscuits until all the dough is used.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until risen and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter for an extra indulgent touch. Serve warm with honey, butter, or alongside your favorite dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flaky – Cold butter creates beautiful layers.

Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Better Than Takeout – No preservatives, just pure homemade goodness.

Versatile – Pairs with both sweet and savory toppings.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Using Warm Butter

Mistake: Soft butter won’t create flaky layers.

Solution: Use chilled butter and work quickly to prevent melting.

2. Overmixing the Dough

Mistake: Overworking the dough makes biscuits dense.

Solution: Mix just until combined and knead gently.

3. Rolling Too Thin

Mistake: Thin biscuits won’t rise properly.

Solution: Roll to ½ inch thick for the perfect height.

4. Skipping the Cream of Tartar

Mistake: This affects texture and rise.

Solution: Always include it for light, airy biscuits.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Classic Side – Serve with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or gravy.

Sweet Twist – Spread with honey butter or jam for a breakfast treat.

Brunch Favorite – Pair with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.

Southern Style – Make biscuit sandwiches with ham, cheese, or sausage.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Why are my biscuits not rising?
Your baking powder may be old. Always use fresh leavening agents.

2. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add an extra ¼ teaspoon salt to the dry ingredients.

3. How do I make taller biscuits?
Cut straight down with a sharp biscuit cutter—twisting can seal the edges, preventing rise.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How can I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk.

Tips & Tricks

– Grate frozen butter for easier incorporation into the flour.
– Stack and fold the dough 2-3 times for extra flaky layers.
– Brush tops with heavy cream before baking for a richer golden crust.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheddar Herb Biscuits

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dough.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs before baking.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits

Swap regular milk for ¾ cup buttermilk for a tangier taste.

Reduce baking powder to 2 teaspoons.

3. Honey Butter Biscuits

Mix 2 tablespoons honey into the butter before brushing on warm biscuits.

Final Thoughts

Every time I pull a batch of these biscuits out of the oven, I’m reminded of just how satisfying homemade baking can be. Watching them rise to golden perfection, feeling that first flaky layer pull apart, and tasting the buttery richness—it’s a simple joy that never gets old.

These biscuits may be inspired by KFC’s famous version, but making them from scratch adds a whole new level of appreciation. They’re warm, comforting, and incredibly versatile, whether served with jam, honey, or alongside a hearty meal.

If you’re looking for a go-to biscuit recipe that delivers every time, this one is worth keeping in your kitchen rotation. Nothing beats a fresh, homemade biscuit, especially when it’s this easy to make.