KFC COLESLAW RECIPE

 

KFC Coleslaw Recipe: The Iconic Side Dish You Can Make at Home

When it comes to classic fast-food sides, few are as iconic — or as crave-worthy — as KFC’s creamy coleslaw. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, crunchy and creamy, it’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just sit quietly on the side of your plate — it steals the show.

Now, you don’t have to drive to the nearest Kentucky Fried Chicken to enjoy it. This homemade KFC coleslaw recipe delivers that same nostalgic flavor right from your own kitchen — with fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples.

Whether you're serving BBQ, fried chicken, or just need the perfect potluck dish, this copycat coleslaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Authentic Taste — Just like the real deal
✅ Simple Ingredients — You probably already have them
✅ Quick to Make — 10 minutes of prep, then chill and serve
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion — From backyard BBQs to weeknight dinners

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Ingredients:

• 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (green, or a mix of green and purple)

• ¼ cup finely chopped carrot

• 2 tablespoons minced onion (optional but adds great flavor)

Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup buttermilk

• 2½ tablespoons lemon juice

• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Veggies

Finely chop or shred the cabbage and carrots. For that authentic KFC texture, use a food processor or box grater to get everything finely minced — not just roughly chopped.

2. Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine & Chill

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you that classic creamy consistency.

4. Serve Cold

Stir before serving, and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with fried chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or even just as a snack on its own.

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Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Coleslaw

• Finely chop the veggies: Texture is key in replicating KFC's version.

• Let it rest: The flavor gets better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

• Buttermilk matters: It gives that authentic tanginess. No buttermilk? Mix milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

• Sweetness control: Adjust sugar to taste if you like your slaw more tangy or less sweet.

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Make It Your Own

• Add a touch of celery seed for extra depth.

• Swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a time-saving shortcut.

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Final Thoughts

This KFC-style coleslaw isn’t just a side dish — it’s a flavor memory. Creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy, it hits all the right notes. Plus, making it at home means you can tweak it to your liking and skip the drive-thru.

So next time you're planning a cookout or just craving some comfort food, whip up a batch of this coleslaw — and watch it disappear faster than you can say “finger-lickin’ good.”