Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe

How to Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw:

A Deliciously Creamy and Crunchy Side Dish

Introduction:

If you’ve ever craved the tangy, creamy, and crunchy coleslaw from KFC, you’re in luck! Now you can recreate this fan-favorite side dish right at home with our Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe. This homemade version is just as tasty, featuring finely shredded cabbage, a sweet and tangy dressing, and a texture that’s perfectly balanced between creamy and crunchy. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, a picnic, or just craving a delicious side dish, this coleslaw is sure to impress!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Copycat KFC Coleslaw, complete with tips and tricks to ensure that it tastes just like the real thing.

What Makes KFC Coleslaw So Special?

KFC’s coleslaw is known for its distinct flavor profile. The finely shredded cabbage is dressed in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. The use of vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise gives it that signature tangy sweetness, while the finely shredded cabbage ensures a tender crunch. This combination of flavors and textures makes KFC coleslaw a perfect complement to their fried chicken, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes.

Key Ingredients for Copycat KFC Coleslaw

For the Coleslaw:

• Green Cabbage: 1 small head, shredded. This is the main ingredient, providing that classic crunch.
• Carrot: 1 medium, finely shredded. Carrot adds color and sweetness to balance the tangy dressing.
• Purple Cabbage (Optional): A small handful, shredded. While not a must, purple cabbage can add a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup. The base of the dressing, providing creaminess and richness.
• Sugar: 1/4 cup. This helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and gives the coleslaw its signature sweetness.
• White Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. The tangy component that gives the coleslaw its signature flavor.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Adds a fresh, citrusy kick to the dressing.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. To season and balance the flavors.
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. For a slight bit of heat. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
• Milk: 2 tablespoons. To thin the dressing slightly, ensuring it coats the cabbage evenly.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Bowl: For mixing the cabbage and dressing.
• Shredding Tool: A box grater or food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots finely.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the ingredients for the dressing.
• Whisk: To combine the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

How to Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing your vegetables. Shred the green cabbage as finely as possible. If you have a food processor, use the shredder attachment to save time. You want the cabbage pieces to be small, almost shredded into threads.

Next, peel and finely shred the carrot. You can use the same food processor or a box grater for this. If you’re adding purple cabbage, shred it finely and mix it with the green cabbage.

Once everything is shredded, place the cabbage and carrot into a large bowl and toss them together to combine.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and milk. The goal is to create a smooth, creamy dressing that’s well-balanced between sweet, tangy, and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

Step 3: Combine the Coleslaw and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure the cabbage is well-coated but not drenched—just enough to bind everything together.

Step 4: Chill the Coleslaw

For the best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you have time). Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together, giving it that signature KFC taste. It also helps the cabbage soften slightly, making it more tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the coleslaw has chilled and the flavors have developed, give it a final toss and serve it alongside your favorite meals. It’s the perfect accompaniment to fried chicken, grilled meats, or even as a topping for sandwiches or burgers. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta

Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw

1. Shred the Cabbage Finely: The key to achieving the KFC-style coleslaw texture is finely shredded cabbage. Use a food processor or box grater for the best results. The smaller the pieces, the better the coleslaw will blend with the dressing.

2. Let It Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the coleslaw to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors develop and ensures the cabbage softens slightly for a more tender bite.

3. Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or the tanginess by adding more vinegar or lemon juice. Taste the dressing before adding it to the cabbage to ensure it’s just the right balance for your taste buds.

4. Make It Ahead: Coleslaw is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and let it sit overnight for even more flavor.

5. Customize the Texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave the cabbage slightly less shredded, or add some diced celery for extra crunch.

6. Vinegar Options: If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a great substitute for a slightly different tangy flavor.

Variations of Copycat KFC Coleslaw

1. Spicy Coleslaw: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick that pairs well with fried chicken or BBQ.

2. Creamier Coleslaw: For an even richer texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or buttermilk to the dressing mixture.

3. Additional Veggies: For a more colorful and textured coleslaw, add finely diced red bell pepper, onions, or celery to the mix.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per serving (based on a 1/4 cup serving size)
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

(Please note that nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Conclusion

This Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect way to recreate that classic creamy, crunchy, and tangy coleslaw right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this iconic side dish with any meal, from fried chicken to burgers to BBQ. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor!