KFC Copycat Coleslaw
KFC’s coleslaw: the perfect creamy, tangy counterpoint to a bucket of fried chicken. But what if you could enjoy that same deliciousness without the drive-thru? You can! This copycat recipe captures the essence of KFC’s coleslaw in a simple, homemade version.
This recipe uses shredded cabbage, carrots, and a touch of onion for a classic coleslaw base. The magic lies in the dressing, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. Mayonnaise and buttermilk create a rich base, while lemon juice, vinegar, and a touch of sugar add the perfect amount of zip.
In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious coleslaw that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or alongside your next homemade fried chicken. Plus, you can easily customize it to your taste! Want it creamier? Add more mayo. Like a bit of crunch? Throw in some celery or fresh herbs.
So ditch the drive-thru and whip up this KFC coleslaw copycat at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
What questions would I get asked about this recipe?
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time?
Yes, but pre-shredded slaw can be watery. Squeeze out any excess moisture before using.
What can I substitute for the buttermilk?
Use a 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice mixed with 1/4 cup milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
How long will this coleslaw keep?
Leftovers will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This sounds a bit too sweet for me. Can I adjust the sugar?
Absolutely! Start with a bit less sugar and add more to taste if desired.
What you need to make KFC Copycat Coleslaw:
For the slaw:
8 cups finely chopped cabbage (about 1 head)
1/4 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
2 tablespoons minced onion
For the dressing:
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk (well shaken)
1/4 cup milk
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
How to make it:
Prep the vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage and carrots. You can use a food processor or box grater for speed, but chopping by hand creates a slightly different texture. Mince the onion.
Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely.
Combine and chill: Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and onion to the dressing. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The coleslaw will soften slightly as it chills.
Serve: Enjoy your KFC copycat coleslaw chilled!
Tips:
For a creamier coleslaw, use all mayonnaise in the dressing.Want a bit more crunch?
Add a chopped celery stalk or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Leftover coleslaw will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Latest Reviews:
The Coleslaw Queen Strikes Again! – KFC coleslaw is my weakness, but that drive-thru line can be brutal! This copycat recipe is a lifesaver. It tastes EXACTLY like the real thing, creamy, tangy, and with the perfect amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home. I even convinced my veggie-hating son to try it, and now he’s hooked! This is definitely going into my recipe rotation. Thanks! – Sarah
Pretty Good! – I followed the recipe exactly, and the coleslaw turned out alright. It was definitely creamy and had a good amount of crunch, but something was missing. Maybe it needed a little more vinegar for that tangy KFC flavor? I might try tweaking it next time. Still, a decent option for a homemade coleslaw. – John
Yum, Just a Tiny Change for Me – This recipe is a great base! I loved how easy it was to throw together, and the dressing had a nice balance of sweet and tangy. I did add a bit of chopped celery for some extra crunch, which I thought went really well with the chicken I served it with. Definitely a keeper, with a little personal twist! – Lisa
Printable Recipe:
KFC Copycat Coleslaw
This recipe captures the creamy, tangy flavor of KFC's coleslaw, perfect for a side dish or picnic!
Ingredients
- For the slaw:
- 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (about 1 head)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (well shaken)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Finely chop the cabbage and carrots. You can use a food processor or box grater for speed, but chopping by hand creates a slightly different texture. Mince the onion.
- Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine and chill: Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and onion to the dressing. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The coleslaw will soften slightly as it chills.
- Serve: Enjoy your KFC copycat coleslaw chilled!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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