KFC Fried Chicken Original Recipe: Nutrition Facts
Kentucky Fried Chicken is known around the world for its famous, special seasoned fried chicken. It’s Original Recipe® is made with a secret blend of spices and seasonings and the restaurant uses a special cooking process to ensure its chicken is fried to perfection.
I created this post to summarize the nutrition facts and ingredients in this popular menu item. You can order the chicken in a large bucket container with 8 pieces, 12 pieces, or 16 pieces.
Ok, let’s learn a bit about what’s in the food we eat at fast food restaurants. Continue reading below for an in-depth report of the calories, nutrition, and ingredients in KFC Original Recipe® Fried Chicken.
Calories and Nutrition
Calories in Crispy Fried Chicken
There are up to 390 calories per piece of KFC Original Recipe® Crispy Fried Chicken. Total calories vary depending on the piece selected – Breast, Thigh, Wing, Drumstick.
Here is a quick breakdown of the total calories and composition of macronutrients (based on percentage of total calories).
- Chicken Breast has 390 calories: 40% Fat, 40% Carbs, 20% Protein
- Chicken Thigh has 280 calories: 61% Fat, 12% Carbs, 27% Protein
- Chicken Wing has 130 calories: 53% Fat, 12% Carbs, 35% Protein
- Chicken Drumstick has 130 calories: 58% Fat, 10% Carbs, 32% Protein
The caloric breakout by nutrient is a rounded estimate based on the nutrition facts label sourced from the restaurant. Calories may vary by location, as a result of how it’s prepared, or due to topping choices.
Sodium
As with most fried foods, the sodium content in one serving of crispy fried chicken is high. Even the smallest piece of chicken, the wing, which has the least sodium by comparison to the other options, it is still a significant amount for a single menu item.
There are 380 milligrams of sodium in a single fried chicken wing. That is about 17% of the recommended total limit of 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day (based on 2,000 calorie diet).
Nutrition Facts
Here is an easy-to-follow chart that summarizes the nutrition facts for the various pieces of fried chicken available on KFC’s menu. This chart is based on one piece of chicken cooked with KFC’s original recipe.
First, it’s clear that calories and nutritional content varies depending on the type of chicken ordered (breast meat, thigh, drumstick, or wing).
Serving Size Matters
As mentioned above, the fried chicken breast has the highest number of calories per piece. However, it’s important to realize that it’s not just the type of chicken (white meat vs dark meat), it’s the size of the order.
For example, one serving of fried chicken breast is measured as 172 grams. By comparison, one serving of a whole chicken wing is only 43 grams. It’s expected that the wing would be fewer calories simply based on size.
Ingredients and Allergens
KFC Crispy Fried Chicken Ingredients
The chicken is seasoned with Colonel’s Secret Original Recipe Seasoning, which is comprised of a blend of ingredients that is not publicly-available. It’s a secret. It’s in the name!
Fresh Chicken is marinated with salt, sodium phosphate, and monosodium glutamate.
The breading includes wheat flour, salt, tricalcium phosphate, nonfat milk, whey, potato starch, egg whites, maltodextrin, triglycerides, food starch-modified, and natural flavor.
What is Maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a class of processed polysaccharides (which are carbohydrates) derived from rice, wheat, corn or potato starch. The manufactured powder is used in a variety of foods to improve flavor, as a thickener, and to increase shelf life.
As a thickening agent, you will find maltodextrin in puddings, frostings, pastries, candies, sauces, salad dressings, and other packaged or processed foods.
It also has a slightly sweet flavor and is a simple carbohydrate, which makes it easily digested. In this regard, it frequently used in sports and energy drinks.
Because Maltodextrin absorbs fat, it is a useful ingredient in fried foods. It enhances flavor, increases the crispness, and helps to retain a favorable color.
Other fast food menu items and packaged foods that contain maltodextrin include:
Allergens
KFC Fried Chicken is made with ingredients that contain egg and wheat.
Nutrition facts, allergens, and ingredients source: KFC Corporation
Ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts are based on available information as of the date this article was published and/or updated. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change their recipes without notice. Check directly with the food provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide health or wellness advice or dietary recommendations. Our aim is to research commercially processed food and publish articles for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, % Daily Value is based on 2,000 calories per day, but calorie needs vary by individual. Always consult your physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.
