Mastering the Iconic KFC Coleslaw: Your Ultimate Copycat Recipe Guide
There’s a reason why certain restaurant side dishes become legendary, and KFC’s coleslaw is undoubtedly one of them. Its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with a perfectly creamy texture and crisp vegetables, has made it a beloved classic across America. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that distinctive taste but wishing you could enjoy it fresh from your own kitchen, you’re in luck! This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to create an incredible copycat KFC coleslaw that rivals the original, perfect for any occasion.
For many, Kentucky Fried Chicken holds a special place in their culinary memories. I have fond recollections of family get-togethers, lively potlucks, and relaxed picnics where a bucket of that extra crispy chicken, alongside comforting mashed potatoes, fluffy biscuits, and, of course, that iconic coleslaw, was always present. It wasn’t just a side dish; it was an integral part of the experience, always my favorite coleslaw recipe.
I’ll admit, my love for Kentucky Fried Chicken runs deep. For years, I perfected various elements, and I’m thrilled to share that after countless attempts and recipe tweaks, I’ve finally nailed both the signature KFC copycat chicken recipe and, crucially, the coleslaw recipe that truly captures its essence. Get ready to impress your friends and family!
Looking to build a complete feast around your homemade KFC coleslaw? Consider pairing it with my savory Meat Lovers Baked Beans or the irresistible Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches for a meal that’s sure to be a hit!
The Ultimate Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe
This coleslaw recipe has become a cherished tradition in our home, particularly when my husband and sons return from their annual fishing trip. We celebrate with a big walleye fish fry, and this creamy slaw is always the perfect accompaniment. However, don’t let its role in our fish fry tradition limit your imagination! While fried chicken is the obvious main course pairing, this versatile recipe is a fantastic side salad for any picnic, summer potluck, or barbecue, complementing whatever delicious dishes are coming off the grill.
It’s truly a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed devour-it-all addition to any potluck table. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch make it an irresistible complement to almost any meal.
What Makes KFC’s Coleslaw So Uniquely Delicious?
Kentucky Fried Chicken is synonymous with its crispy fried chicken, but its crunchy coleslaw and comforting mashed potatoes are equally iconic. KFC’s coleslaw boasts a very distinctive flavor profile – a masterful balance of tangy and sweet that’s hard to forget. Recreating this exact taste at home requires understanding the role of each ingredient.
My secret to replicating this amazing coleslaw lies in a few key ingredients. The foundation is creamy, full-fat mayonnaise, which provides richness and body. Tart apple cider vinegar and zesty lemon juice are crucial for achieving that signature tanginess. However, the true depth and authentic richness of this dish come from the combination of mayonnaise and tangy buttermilk. This side dish simply wouldn’t be complete without buttermilk! If you find yourself without buttermilk on hand, don’t fret or skip this vital ingredient. You can easily make your own buttermilk substitute at home in about 5 minutes with just two simple ingredients you likely already have.
While this copycat KFC coleslaw is perfect for lively summer picnics and backyard BBQs, its versatility means it can be enjoyed all year long. It’s also a fantastic vegetarian-friendly option that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes.
Craving more flavorful side dish recipes? Be sure to try my refreshing BLT Pasta Salad or my incredibly easy Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe!
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Creating this delicious copycat KFC coleslaw requires a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your refrigerator or pantry. The magic truly lies in their combination and the balance of flavors. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
For the Creamy Kentucky Fried Chicken Cole Slaw Dressing:
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the essential sweetness that balances the tang and gives the coleslaw its characteristic flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat, real mayonnaise. Its rich, creamy texture is paramount for achieving the authentic mouthfeel of KFC’s dressing. Avoid Miracle Whip or low-fat versions, as they won’t yield the same results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): While some recipes might suggest white vinegar, I find apple cider vinegar adds a subtle complexity and a fruitier tang that elevates the dressing. Plus, it’s known for its beneficial properties!
- Lemon Juice: Fresh or bottled, lemon juice provides a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the mayo and the sweetness of the sugar, making the dressing truly pop.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient contributes to the dressing’s luxurious creaminess and helps achieve that perfectly smooth consistency.
- Buttermilk: A non-negotiable ingredient for authentic KFC coleslaw! Buttermilk provides a distinctive tang and a slightly thinner consistency compared to plain milk, which is crucial for the dressing. If you don’t have it, remember you can easily make your own buttermilk substitute using milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Dry Minced Onion: For convenience and a subtle onion flavor without the crunch of fresh onion pieces, dry minced onion is my go-to. However, a very finely minced fresh onion can also be used if preferred.
- Celery Seed: This is an optional but highly recommended addition. Celery seed adds a nuanced, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor that many believe is key to the authentic KFC coleslaw taste.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors, bringing everything into harmonious balance.
For the Crisp Cole Slaw Base:
- Green Cabbage: The backbone of any coleslaw! It should be finely shredded. A hand grater or food processor works perfectly for achieving the desired thin, delicate strands.
- Carrot: Finely shredded carrot adds a touch of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and another layer of crisp texture. Again, a hand grater or food processor is ideal for achieving a fine shred.
How to Make This Legendary Coleslaw, Colonel Sanders Style
My recipe for this Copycat KFC Coleslaw is incredibly simple to prepare, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve fantastic results. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this homemade coleslaw, complete with that famously delicious KFC coleslaw dressing, will be ready to impress at your next backyard barbecue, family gathering, or any meal where a refreshing side is needed!
For even more detailed, step-by-step instructions, refer to the printable recipe card provided at the end of this article.
Step 1: Combine the Dressing Ingredients
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, heavy cream, buttermilk, dry minced onion, celery seed (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and give it a good, vigorous shake until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Using a hand grater or a food processor, finely shred the green cabbage and carrots. The key to authentic KFC coleslaw texture is a very fine shred, so avoid chunky pieces. Transfer the finely shredded cabbage and carrot to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the shredded cabbage and carrots in the large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or tongs, give the coleslaw a thorough toss, ensuring every strand of cabbage and carrot is coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Refrigerate for Flavor Development
Cover the bowl securely with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours. This crucial chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to soften slightly, achieving that perfect KFC texture and taste.
Step 5: Serve Chilled
Once properly chilled, give the coleslaw another gentle stir. Serve cold from the bowl, using a slotted spoon or salad set to ensure you get all the delicious dressing with your crisp vegetables.
Step 6: Storage Recommendations
Store any leftover coleslaw in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For the best quality and safety, consume leftovers within 4 to 5 days. The flavors often deepen even further the day after it’s made!
Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw
- Fine Shred is Key: Don’t underestimate the importance of finely shredded cabbage and carrots. This contributes significantly to the unique texture of KFC’s coleslaw. If your food processor has a shredding disc, use it! Otherwise, a box grater works wonders.
- Quality Mayonnaise: As the base of the dressing, the quality of your mayonnaise matters. Stick to a good, full-fat brand for the richest flavor.
- Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. Use 2 tablespoons of this mixture for the recipe.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush it! The 4-hour chilling time is essential. It allows the cabbage to soften slightly, the flavors to meld, and the dressing to fully infuse the vegetables. For an even richer flavor, prepare it the day before.
- Taste and Adjust: Before the final chill, taste the dressing. You might want to add a tiny bit more sugar for sweetness or a splash more lemon juice/ACV for tang, depending on your preference.
- Freshness: While pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be a time-saver, shredding your own cabbage and carrots generally yields a fresher taste and better texture. If using a pre-shredded mix, ensure the pieces are finely chopped.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Fried Chicken
While this copycat KFC coleslaw is a match made in heaven for fried chicken, its versatility extends far beyond! Here are some other delicious ways to enjoy it:
- BBQ Pulled Pork: A classic pairing! The creamy, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of slow-cooked pulled pork.
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steaks, or sausages for a refreshing contrast.
- Fish and Chips: A lighter, zestier alternative to tartar sauce for fried fish.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: Top your favorite burgers or hot dogs with a spoonful of coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
- Picnic Spreads: An indispensable addition to any summer picnic basket, alongside sandwiches and other potluck favorites.
- Tacos and Wraps: Add a creamy, tangy element to fish tacos, chicken wraps, or even vegetarian burritos.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t forget where you found this amazing copycat KFC coleslaw recipe! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it for your next culinary adventure!
Other Delicious Copycat Restaurant Recipes to Enjoy
If you’re a fan of this fantastic copycat KFC coleslaw recipe, you’re sure to love recreating these other restaurant favorites right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
- KFC Chicken Recipe (pictured above)
- Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce & Fish Sandwich
- Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
- Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe
- Hooters Wings in the Air Fryer
- Copycat Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard
- Sonic Cherry Limeade
- Copycat El Bee’s Margaritas
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe
I sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy this homemade KFC coleslaw as much as our family does! I understand that you have countless choices when it comes to finding recipes these days. Please know that when I share something with you, it’s a dish my own family truly loves, and these recipes come straight from my heart to your kitchen.
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and whip up this incredibly easy and delightful KFC coleslaw recipe!
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Print Recipe
KFC Cole Slaw Copy Cat
This creamy Copycat KFC Cole Slaw recipe is quite possibly the perfect side dish. You are not going to believe how easy it is to make this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen! Shredded green cabbage and carrots tossed with that notorious KFC Coleslaw Dressing. It is sure to be the hit of your backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
10 mins
4 hrs
4 hrs 10 mins
American
apple cider vinegar, carrots, cole slaw dressing, copycat, green cabbage, Kentucky Fried Chicken cole slaw recipe, KFC Cole Slaw, mayo, onion, recipe
6 servings
137 kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Cuisinart Boxed Grater
- Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini-Prep Plus 24-Ounce Food-Processors, 3 Cup, Brushed Chrome and Nickel
- Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor 9-Cup Capacity and a Silver Stainless Finish
- Oggi Mixing Bowl, 4 Quart
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (one small head)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (one medium-sized carrot)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons buttermilk *
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon dry minced onion
- 1 pinch celery seed (optional)
Instructions
- Add all of the dressing ingredients into a small jar with a lid. Give it a good shake and set it aside.
- Finely shred cabbage and carrot using a hand grater or your food processor.
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrot to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the top and give the cole slaw a good toss.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Serve cold.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, consuming them within 4 to 5 days.
Notes
* Coleslaw mix with carrots can be subbed, but you may want to chop up those bigger pieces. A finer shred is better for an authentic texture.
Nutrition