The KFC Original Crispy Bacon and Cheese Burger, as reimagined in this homemade version, is more than just a fast food copycat—it’s a tribute to the artistry of Southern American comfort food and the flavor harmonies that make crispy chicken a staple in global cuisine. At its heart, this recipe is about taking something iconic—the crunchy, golden KFC chicken—and elevating it with layers of texture and taste: smoky, chewy bacon; sharp melted cheddar; fresh vegetables; and a soft, buttery brioche bun. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and nostalgic, yet refined enough to impress anyone gathered around your table.
Origins and Influence
At the core of this burger is a faithful nod to one of the world’s most beloved fast food flavors—KFC’s original fried chicken recipe. While KFC’s specific blend of “11 herbs and spices” remains shrouded in secrecy and speculation, enthusiasts often agree that elements like garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt are key contributors to its unique taste profile. This inspired version builds off that classic flavor foundation. The inclusion of cornstarch in the flour blend isn’t just a cheffy trick; it’s essential in creating a shatteringly crispy crust that can hold its own under melty cheese and juicy toppings.
Southern-style fried chicken, with its roots in the American South and its evolution through African American culinary traditions, has always celebrated seasoned indulgence. This recipe reflects that spirit by marinating boneless chicken thighs—juicier and more flavorful than breasts—in buttermilk spiked with hot sauce. Buttermilk has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, known for tenderizing meat and imparting a subtle tang that enhances depth.
But this isn’t just a fried chicken sandwich—it’s a full bacon cheeseburger experience. The thick-cut smoked bacon, an unmistakably American addition, provides a smoky, salty dimension that balances beautifully against the richness of fried chicken. When paired with sharp cheddar cheese—just melted enough to bind the flavors—each bite becomes an intersection of crispy, creamy, and savory notes.
The Power of Texture and Freshness
No great burger is complete without its supporting components. The crisp shredded iceberg lettuce offers a cooling contrast to the freshly fried chicken, while slices of fresh tomato and optional red onion provide juiciness and sweetness. Together, they contribute a necessary freshness that cuts through the fried and fatty elements, preventing the burger from becoming one-dimensional.
Brioche buns are the final frame for this handheld masterpiece. Their slight sweetness and airy crumb make them a perfect vessel for saucy, meaty fillings. Unlike standard hamburger buns, brioche doesn’t get soggy quite as quickly, holding its integrity even as it absorbs oily drips from the chicken and bacon.
Customizing The Flavors
While the recipe stays loyal to the KFC inspiration, it leaves room for creative play. A smoky mayo—perhaps with a touch of chipotle or a drop of liquid smoke—accentuates the bacon and adds a deeper umami layer. A spicy mayo option, maybe spiked with Sriracha or cayenne, lends heat for those who prefer bold flavors. These sauce variations allow the home chef to control and enhance the overall experience.
Even the dredging process has flexibility. For an extra-crunchy finish, a double-dredge technique is recommended: flour, dip back into buttermilk, then coat again in seasoned flour before frying. This not only thickens the exterior crust for a signature crunch but also traps more seasoning and locks in moisture.
Tradition Meets Modern Palate
This burger is a fusion of traditional tastes and contemporary dining preferences. It reflects how the fast food culture we grew up with has evolved in modern kitchens. Today, people value both flavor and freshness, indulgence and quality—ideals that are reflected in the choice of chicken thighs over processed patties, freshly shredded lettuce over prebagged mix, and artisanal brioche over generic sandwich rolls.
The KFC Original Crispy Bacon and Cheese Burger fits seamlessly into the current food culture of “better burgers”—comfort food made from scratch, with premium ingredients and care in every detail. It speaks to those who crave nostalgic food experiences but want to reconnect with them through a more culinary lens.
Perfect Occasions and Pairings
This burger makes a perfect meal for a weekend cookout, game day indulgence, or even as a showstopper for a casual dinner party. It pairs wonderfully with spicy waffle fries, coleslaw, or even a refreshing side salad to balance the richness. A craft beer—something crisp and hoppy—makes a fantastic beverage pairing, complementing the crunch and cleansing the palate between bites.
For kids or non-drinkers, a fizzy ginger ale or sparkling lemonade works just as well, cutting through the richness with citrusy or gingery brightness.
A Versatile Base
At its heart, the recipe can also serve as a base for other culinary experiments. Vegetarians can adapt it with a firm, breaded plant-based chicken patty and substitute bacon with “facon” or smoked mushrooms for umami. A sweet pickle relish could replace the mayo for a tangier bite. With minor tweaks, it can be made to reflect regional or personal preferences, from Korean-inspired gochujang sauces to Mediterranean toppings like tzatziki and pickled red onions.
The KFC Original Crispy Bacon and Cheese Burger is more than just a homemade takeout substitute—it’s a celebration of how simple, crave-worthy components can be elevated when cooked thoughtfully. From its crispy fried chicken marinated in buttermilk to its layers of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh toppings, this burger is a masterclass in texture, layering, and comfort. It satisfies the nostalgic appetite for junk food, while proving that fast food flavors made from scratch can be even more rewarding. Whether you’re creating it for friends, family, or just for yourself, one thing is certain: this is burger craftsmanship you can taste in every bite.
KFC Original Crispy Bacon and Cheese Burger
Ingredients
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- 4 pieces boneless chicken thighs skinless, about 5 oz each
- 1 cup buttermilk for marinating
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional, for heat
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch adds crispiness
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
For Assembly:
- 4 pieces brioche buns lightly toasted
- 4 slices thick-cut smoked bacon fried until crisp
- 4 slices cheddar cheese mild or sharp, per preference
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise or spicy mayo
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 medium tomato thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) in the fridge.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in this flour mix, pressing firmly to adhere well.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack.
- While the chicken rests, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Lightly toast the brioche buns cut-side down in a dry pan or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, a fried chicken thigh, cheese slice (allow it to melt slightly), bacon strip, tomato, and onion if using. Cap with the top bun.
Notes
- For a smoky depth, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mayo.
- Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with a crispy plant-based patty and use facon (fake bacon).
- To enhance crispiness, double dredge the chicken: flour, buttermilk, then flour again.