Copycat KFC Pickle Pepsi Recipe

Are you ready to discover a bold new spin on two iconic brands? The KFC Pickle Pepsi recipe brings together crispy fried chicken and the unmistakably tangy kick of pickles, served alongside the refreshing fizz of Pepsi.

What Is KFC Pickle Pepsi?

KFC Pickle Pepsi (or “Pickle Pepsi”) is a limited-time, novelty beverage offered as part of KFC Canada’s Pickled Menu.

Ingredients:

For The Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

For Serving:

• Sliced dill pickles
• Burger buns or sandwich rolls
• For the “Pickle Pepsi” Drink:
• 1 can (12 oz) Pepsi (chilled)
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh dill sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions:

Marinate The Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and dill pickle juice.
2. Add chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is fully submerged.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Prepare The Coating:

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick coating.

Fry The Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
3. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Assemble The Sandwich:

1. Toast the buns or rolls lightly.
2. Place a fried chicken piece on each bun.
3. Add several dill pickle slices.
4. Top with a little fresh dill if desired.

Make The Pickle Pepsi:

1. Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add Pepsi and stir in dill pickle juice.
3. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a pickle slice.

Tips:

• Marinate chicken overnight for extra flavor.
• Use real, tangy pickle juice from quality pickles for the best results.
• Keep the oil temperature steady to avoid greasy chicken.
• Serve sandwiches immediately for ultimate crunch.
• Experiment with spicy pickles or flavored Pepsis for adventurous twists.
• The Pickle Pepsi drink is best enjoyed chilled and freshly mixed.

What To Serve With

• Classic French Fries: Crispy golden fries are a natural companion for any fried chicken sandwich. Serve them hot with a sprinkle of sea salt, or try crinkle-cut fries for a nostalgic fast-food touch. Prepared oven-baked or deep-fried, these are ideal for dipping into ketchup or a spicy aioli.
• Potato Wedges: Thick-cut potato wedges have a fluffy interior and crisp exterior. Season them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne to echo the flavors of the chicken. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw brings balance, providing a refreshing crunch against the rich sandwich. Use a blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with mayo, cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Add thinly sliced pickles to tie in the pickle flavor theme.
• Pickle Chips: Deep-fried pickle chips add an extra touch of tartness and crunch. Prepare them by dredging pickle slices in seasoned flour and frying until crispy. These make an excellent nibble alongside the sandwich and beverage.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob rounds out the meal with its natural sweetness. Brush hot corn with melted butter and sprinkle with a blend of paprika and parsley for color and flavor.
• Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans with smoky bacon and brown sugar offer a sweet and savory counterpoint. Serve them warm for a hearty, comforting side.
• Dill Pickle Potato Salad: Amplify the pickle theme by adding chopped dill pickles to a classic potato salad. A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh dill ties it all together, delivering a zesty flavor that matches the main course.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, creamy macaroni and cheese offers a familiar comfort-food touch. The softness of the noodles and creamy cheese sauce contrasts with the crunchy chicken, while sharp cheddar adds depth.
• Fresh Veggie Platter: A platter of crisp veggies like celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes provides a refreshing bite and helps cleanse the palate.
• Dessert: Hand Pies or Cookies: Finish the meal with mini hand pies (apple or cherry are classic options) or homemade cookies. Their light sweetness brings the meal to a satisfying close.
• Drink Pairings: Pair your KFC Pickle Pepsi drink with extra options like lemonade, iced tea, or even a simple cucumber water for those seeking non-cola refreshment. Garnish drinks with extra pickle slices or fresh herbs for added flair.

Health Benefits

• Protein from Chicken: Chicken is a high-quality protein source that supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and satiety. Consuming lean chicken (skinless thighs or breasts) provides essential amino acids, vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium, nutrients that are important for metabolism, immune function, and energy production.
• Buttermilk and Fermentation Benefits: Buttermilk, used in the marinade, contains beneficial probiotics that support digestive health. These live cultures aid in maintaining gut balance, improve nutrient absorption, and may help boost the immune system.
• Pickle Juice Electrolytes: Dill pickle juice is naturally high in sodium, which, in moderation, helps maintain fluid balance and supports muscle and nerve function. Athletes sometimes use pickle juice to prevent cramps after intense exercise. Pickle juice also provides small amounts of potassium and antioxidants from spices such as dill, garlic, and mustard seeds.
• Herbs and Spices: The seasoning blend used in the chicken’s breading, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, contains phytonutrients and antioxidants. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
• Fermented Pickles: Pickles made through traditional fermentation (not just vinegar-brined) contain probiotics. These beneficial bacteria may improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote the growth of healthy gut flora.
• Mental Satisfaction and Comfort: Enjoying flavorful, nostalgic foods such as the KFC Pickle Pepsi sandwich can contribute to emotional well-being. Sharing a fun, creative meal with friends and family supports social connection, which is vital to mental and emotional health.
• Hydration from Pepsi and Ice: While regular soft drinks like Pepsi are not typically considered a health food, consuming them with ice does add a small amount of hydration. In moderation and balance with water intake, it can be part of an enjoyable meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The KFC Pickle Pepsi recipe delivers a playful twist that captures the spirit of creative home cooking. By bringing together crispy fried chicken, tangy pickles, and a unique fizzy drink, this meal offers both novelty and familiarity for anyone looking to spice up their kitchen routine.

More Recipes:

• Copycat Chobani Protein Shake Recipe
• Copycat MrBeast Feastables Chocolate Milk Recipe
• Copycat Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Recipe

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KFC Pickle Pepsi

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute Nutrition facts: 250 calories 0 gram fat

Ingredients

For The Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

For Serving:

• Sliced dill pickles
• Burger buns or sandwich rolls
• For the “Pickle Pepsi” Drink:
• 1 can (12 oz) Pepsi (chilled)
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• Ice cubes
• Fresh dill sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions

Marinate The Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and dill pickle juice.
2. Add chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is fully submerged.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Prepare The Coating:

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
3. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick coating.

Fry The Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
3. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Assemble The Sandwich:

1. Toast the buns or rolls lightly.
2. Place a fried chicken piece on each bun.
3. Add several dill pickle slices.
4. Top with a little fresh dill if desired.

Make The Pickle Pepsi:

1. Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add Pepsi and stir in dill pickle juice.
3. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a pickle slice.