Top Secret KFC Recipes

KFC Pecan Pie Recipe

2009-05-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

4 Eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup dark corn syrup
pinch of salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
4 Tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup pecan halves
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 325-350ºF. Mix together the first seven ingredients listed above. Stir in 2/3 cup pecan halves. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Bake 35-40 minutes.

KFC Mashed Potatoes Recipe

2009-05-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

The mashed potatoes are served and made by mix. It comes in a bag just add water and butter. Many people just come to KFC to get these potatoes and gravy.

KFC Mashed Potatoes
Whipped Mashed Potatoes with delicious brown Gravy. They go together like the Colonel and KFC.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups Idaho Potato Flakes
1 stick Margarine
2 tablespoons Butter
2 1/2 cups Hot Water
3/4 cup Milk
1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

Heat water add butter and margarine till melted. Add the salt and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flakes and mix till it looks like regular potatoes. Add milk to proper consistency. Serve with gravy. Serves 6

KFC Gravy Recipe

2009-05-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

The KFC Gravy used to be made fresh with the Cracklings. Now it comes in a pouch and all you have to do is add water. Thank god for modified starch products. Like the Chicken recipes Gravy is another immensely popular item in the KFC menu. It has a distinct taste and liked by many people around the world.

KFC Gravy

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons shortening, melted
3 tablespoons of Original Breading Flour
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 can Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Stock
1 can water

Cooking Directions:

First we are going to make a roux with the melted shortening and 1 1/2 tablespoon of breading flour. Cook this over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the roux browns in color to resemble a nice milk chocolate color. Once the mixture turns brown remove it from the heat and add the remaining flour and slowly add the liquid(s) to incorporate it so no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 2 minutes reduce the heat and allow the mixture to thicken which would take about 3 to 5 minutes.

*That is just the flour that you use to bread the chicken with.

KFC Potato Wedges Recipe

2009-05-23T01:22:00.000-07:00

The Colonel was in the kitchen one day and had an idea what to do with the potatoes that he had and he came up with the Potato Wedges. They used to be made fresh but due to the invention of the frozen fry they are sent to the stores frozen and ready to cook.

KFC Potato Wedges
Start with lightly battered Potato Wedges and season them with savory herbs and spices for a full flavor. A great addition to any KFC meal.

Ingredients:

shortening for Frying
5 Baking potatoes cut into Wedges
1 cup Milk
1 egg
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon MSG
1/4 teaspoon Paprika
dash of garlic powder

Cooking Directions:

Preheat shortening in to 375°F. Cut the potatoes into 16 to 18 equalside wedges. Mix the egg and milk till well blended in a big bowl. Mix the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Put some potatoes in the milk and egg then into the flour mixture till well coated. Fry in fryer for 3 minutes remove from the oil and allow them to sit for one minute and then cook them again for 5 minutes or until cooked. It may take up to 6 minutes.

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

2009-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits. A favorite has to be the buttermilk biscuits they are so light and fluffy they just melt in your mouth. They were made fresh daily in every store. Now due tot he popular demand of these biscuits, they come frozen.

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup club soda
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup butter milk
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups Bisquick Biscuit Mix

Cooking Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Combine all of the ingredients, knead the dough by hand until the dough holds together do not over knead. Flour your hands Pat the dough flat to 3/4-inch thickness out biscuits with a biscuit cutter. Bake on a greased baking sheet for 13 minutes, or until golden brown, when they come out of the oven brush with melted butter. Makes 18 Biscuits.

KFC Baked Beans Recipe

2009-05-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Colonel’s Baked Beans used to be baked and made fresh daily. Now there made with a can of Navy Beans made by Hanover and a bag of sauce and precooked frozen bacon. When it is needed it is just microwave and there you go.

KFC Baked Beans

Ingredients:

30 ounce can Navy Beans, drained
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 teaspoons minced fresh onion
4 pieces bacon, cooked and then crumbled
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
dash garlic powder

Cooking Directions:

Drain the navy beans and place in a microwave safe dish. Add the precooked bacon. In a bowl combine all the other ingredients to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the beans and mix well. Allow them to sit overnight in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve them microwave them for 5 minutes then stir and microwave again for 7 minutes or till heated through.

KFC Potato Salad Recipe

2009-05-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

KFC Potato Salad. Another favorite side dish is the Potato Salad which used to be produced fresh daily, however now due to the fact that it can be produced and prepackaged and stored frozen till shipped and then refrigerated AmeraServe which is the company that Tricon uses sells the potato salad that way.

KFC Potato Salad

Ingredients:

2 pounds russet potatoes
1 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
4 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons minced white onion
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon minced celery
1 teaspoon diced pimentos
1/2 teaspoon shredded carrot
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash salt

Cooking Directions:

Lightly peel the potatoes and cut into bite sized pieces. Place in a pot of salted water and boil the potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes till fork tender, depending upon the size you cut them. While the potatoes are cooking in a bowl make the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar, white onion, mustard, vinegar, celery, pimento, carrot, parsley, pepper, and salt. When the potatoes are done and have cooled add the sauce and refrigerate for 2 hours. The best is if youallow this to sit overnight.

KFC Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

2009-05-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

A favorite among kids and kids at heart is the KFC Macaroni and cheese which was originally made fresh daily. Now it comes premade and is cooked in an oven like it originally was when it was made fresh.

KFC Macaroni and Cheese
Elbow macaroni covered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce for a rich and flavorful side. It's a classic Southern side.

Ingredients:

2cups elbow macaroni
3/4 cup Velveeta cheese
2/3 cup mild yellow cheddar cheese
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Directions:

In a pot bring water to a boil with salt to taste, once the water comes to a boil add the macaroni and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. When the noodles are cooked drain but do not rinse. To make thecheese sauce in a pan over low heat combine the Velveeta cheese,shredded cheddar and the milk. Cook the cheeses till they are melted and then add the salt. Add the noodles and mix threw. Place in a casserole dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You may want to broil the top to make a brown top.

KFC Macaroni Salad Recipe

2009-05-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Macaroni Salad that Colonel Sanders used to use is listed below. The recipe is just the basic recipe. However it has been altered many times.

KFC Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb Elbows Macaroni
1/4 cup Carrots, chopped fine
1 tbsp Minced Onion
1/4 cup Celery, chopped fine
2 cups Food Service Cole slaw Dressing
Dash White Pepper
1 teaspoon pickle relish

Cooking Directions:

Cook macaroni noodles in a big pot of water for 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl with ice water and cool for 10 minutes. In a large bowl combine all of above. Refrigerate for 2 hrs.

KFC Corn on The Cob Recipe

2009-05-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's yellow Corn on the Cob at the peak of ripeness for a true taste of the South in the summer.

KFC Corn

Ingredients:

Frozen corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon Msg
Melted butter

Cooking Directions:

Cook the corn in hot salted water with a dash of milk till nice and tender. When it is done dip the corn in butter and sprinkle with the seasoning.

KFC Beans and Rice Recipe

2009-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Colonel Sanders loved rice and beans and decided to create a recipe that could be used together to create a great tasting item. You can mix it or have the beans on the bottom and rice on top and mix as u eat.

KFC Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

30 ounce can of Red beans
1 teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Dash of cayenne
Dash of garlic powder
1 1/2 cups converted rice cooked

Cooking Directions:

Pour beans with there liquid into a saucepan and cook over medium heat. Add the seasonings and butter. When the mixture begins to boil use a fork to mash 1/2 the beans. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes to until it looks like bean paste with big beans in it. Mix in rice.

KFC Pot Pie Recipe

2009-05-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Do to the waste of chicken in the restaurants the Colonel created a recipe to help use the chicken that was unable to be sold. So he devised the KFC potpie recipe. See chicken could only sit and be sold for 2 hrs after it is fried.

KFC POT PIE
Freshly baked Chunky Chicken Pot Pie is loaded with tender pieces of delicious KFC chicken, green peas, hearty carrots, bite-sized potatoes and a thick & savory home-style sauce. Then cover it with a light, flaky crust and bake to golden perfection for a warm and hearty home-style favorite.

Ingredients:

2 potatoes peeled and cooked
2/3 cup frozen peas
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 carrots peeled and cooked
2 tablespoons frozen onion
2 cups of cooked chicken
Dash of salt and pepper and Msg

Cooking Directions:

In a bowl combine all cooked vegetables and chicken add the cream of chicken soup and seasoning. The mixture should be thick but not to thick if the mixture is to thick add some milk to the mixture. Scoop the mixture into individual pie pans. Use the biscuit recipe in this book to make the crust. Roll out the dough thin and place on top then brush with butter. Bake in a 375 F oven for 15 to 25 minutes or until it is heated threw and the crust is golden brown.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

2009-05-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

KFC Cole Slaw
With take cabbage, carrots, and onions and mix in a delicious dressing for a freshly prepared side that tastes good with any dish

Ingredients:

8 1/8 cups cabbage
1/3 cup carrot
1 teaspoon onion chopped fine
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 cup milk
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Cooking Directions:

First core the cabbage and shred the cabbage fine using the fine diskfor the shredder attachment to the mixer. Then shred the cabbage. In a bowl combine with a whisk combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk and lemon juice mix till well combined. Then add the seasoning. The last step is to add the sugar add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in. Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture and mix well and allow the mixture to marinate for 13 hrs.

KFC Honey BBQ Dipping Sauce Recipe

2009-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of the favorite items that is on the menu is the Barbecue sauce that was original made fresh in the store and used to dip the wings, the original chicken and now the chicken strips. Now it comes in a bag and all we have to do is add hot water and keep warm.

KFC Honey BBQ Dipping Sauce
It's KFC's signature sauce made with honey and just the right amount of BBQ spices. The result is a sweet, yet tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/8 cup molasses
1/8 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon MSG
1/4 teaspoon of chili powder

Cooking Directions:

In a sauce pan combine all of the above and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes and keep warm. When you are ready to eat the chicken dip in and allow the chicken to drain for 1 minute.

KFC Tender Roast Recipe

2009-05-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Colonel also had a Roasted chicken that was mighty tasty. The chicken was marinated also and then baked with his famous seasonings. The baking process was long it takes 4 hours to bake it. It is baked at 225 for 2 hours till the internal temp was at 175. But for you at home I have updated this to be baked at a hire temperature and be prepared in less time.

KFC Tender Roast
Start by marinating a tender all white meat filet and then slow roast it to juicy perfection. It's topped with lettuce, tomato and a tangy pepper mayo sauce, and served on a warm bun

Ingredients:

Spice Mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon MSG

Cooking Directions:

Trim the excess fat from the chicken. Marinade the chicken in the mixture for 3 to 4 hrs or overnight. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow to dry. Sprinkle the chicken lightly with seasoning. Place on baking pan and bake at 325F for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs till chicken is done. Allow to sit for 1 to 2 minutes then serve.

KFC Wings Recipe

2009-05-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

KFC chicken wings pieces are lightly breaded in special seasonings and fried to crispy perfection. They're great for lunch, dinner, or even while you're tailgating before the big game. The Colonel deiced that wings were going to be a good thing to serve and so he decided to create fried wings that are very tasty. The Honey Barbecue wings are tasty . After they are made they are dipped into the Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce. If you don’t want the honey barbecue wings just serve them as the regular wings.

KFC Wings

Ingredients:

6-8 cups shortening
20 chicken wing pieces
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Cooking Directions:

If you are using frozen wings allow them to defrost and marinate. If you are using fresh wings you are going to want to take the wing and remove the flipper and then break them into two pieces and then marinate them. Combine the beaten egg with the milk in a small bowl.In another small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and MSG. When shortening is hot, dip each wing first in theflour mixture, then into the milk and egg mixture, and back into the flour. Bread all the wings then refrigerate them until ready to use. When they are ready to be used fry them 6 at a time for 12 minutes. Remove from the shortening and allow them to drain for 3 minutes. For the barbecue ones dip in the barbecue sauce and serve.

KFC Crispy Strips Recipes

2009-04-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Colonel used to sale chicken nuggets that were tasty but he taught why not prepare fresh chicken strips of all white meat and that is how the Colonel’s Crispy Strips were born. You will notice it is the same as the Extra Crispy.

When you want a quick, easy hit of KFC, you want Crispy Strips! Tasty strips of 100% chicken breast covered with our crunchy KFC Original Recipe coating make this one snack you don’t want to miss!

KFC Crispy Strips

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Baking Powder

Cooking Directions:

Cut 6 chicken Breasts into strips, or you can by chicken tenders in the store. Marinate them overnight . Preheat the shortening in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees. Beat 1 egg and 1 cup of milk. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Dip the the chicken into the coating andthen double dip. Fry in fryer a few at a time till they are golden brown about 5 minutes or until they float. Remove the chicken to a rack and allow to drain for 5 minutes.

The Colonel has decided to make Hot and Spicy Strips that ran for short times the difference is the second dip it is dipped into hot sauce then breaded again and then fried just like the original crispy strips. For the barbecue strips make the strips the original way and then dip into the Honey Barbecue Dipping Sauce.

KFC Hot and Spicy Chicken Recipe

2009-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Once he perfected his Extra Crispy he had customers who wanted it to be spicy and bold so he created his KFC Hot and Spicy Chicken. Here is his original recipe which has changed a bit in this day and age. It comes frozen and is cooked frozen and not prepared fresh in many stores. Enjoy KFC's finger lickin' good Original Recipe Chicken, made with a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, freshly prepared and pressure-cooked to perfection to bring out the unique KFC taste that you love.

KFC Hot and Spicy Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole frying chicken, cut up and Marinated
6-8 cups shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon white pepper
3/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Baking Powder

Cooking Directions:

Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces. Preheat theshortening in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees. Combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine the remaining coating ingredients When the chicken has marinated, transfer each piece to paper towels so that excess liquid can drain off. Working with one piece at a time, dip in egg and milk then coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, coated very generously. Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated. Drop the chicken, one piece at a time into the hot shortening. Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. You should be sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly. Remove the chicken to a rack or towels to drain for
about 5 minutes before eating.

KFC Extra Crispy Recipe

2009-04-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

After he perfected his original he made a crispy recipe that was marinated first then fried the conventional way. This one is double dunked into the coating to give it its great taste. This is for anyone who believes that the crunchier and crispier their chicken is, the better. KFC's Extra Crispy chicken is freshly prepared with a flaky breading and then fried to a crispy golden brown. You'll even hear the crunch as you bite through the crusty coating and get to the mouthwatering, tender, juicy chicken.

KFC Extra Crispy Recipe

Ingredients:

1 whole frying chicken, cut up and marinated
6-8 cups shortening for cooking
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Paprika
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Baking Powder

Cooking Directions:

Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces. Preheat the shortening in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees. Combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine theremaining coating ingredients (flour, salt, pepper and MSG). When the chicken has marinated, transfer each piece to paper towels so that excess liquid can drain off. Working with one piece at a time, first dip in egg and milk then coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, then the egg and milk mixture again, and then back into the flour. Be sure that each piece is coated very generously. Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated. Drop the chicken, one piece at a time into the hot shortening. Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 12-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. You should be sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly. Remove the chicken to a rack or towels to drain for about 5 minutes before eating.

KFC Original Secret Recipes

2009-04-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

The KFC Original Recipe is not packaged in three different places. The way it is cooked and the process makes it taste like it has eleven herbs and spices when in reality there is not. The way it is done in the restaurant is using dried eggs and milk in the flour along with a box of breading salt and the seasoning bag and a bag of breading flour.

Ingredients:

2 fryer chickens cut up into 8 pieces and marinated
6 cups Crisco Shortening
1 eggs well beaten
2 cups Milk
2 cups Flour
2 teaspoons ground pepper
3 tablespoons salt1 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 dash paprika

Cooking Directions:

Place shortening into the pressure cooker and heat over medium heat to the shortening reaches 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the egg and milk. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining six dry ingredients. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk until fully moistened. Roll the moistened chicken in the flour mixture until well coated. In groups of four or five, drop the covered chicken pieces into the shortening and lock the lid. When pressure builds up cook for 10 minutes.

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Marinate Recipe

2009-04-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Before you cook the chicken it has to be marinated. The original way that the Colonel used to produce his chicken was to marinate it. The following Marinate recipe is still used today at KFC for the Crispy Strips which are marinated daily in 40 to 80 lbs at a time, however the amount of this marinade is only good for about 15 lbs of chicken.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Potassium
2 tablespoons Kosher Salt
4 tablespoons MSG
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/3 cup Bottled Chicken Concentrate
5 cups water

Cooking Directions:

Mix all of the above and soak the chicken in the above marinate for 24 hours under refrigeration.

KFC Secret Recipes - PREFACE

2008-05-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Colonel Harland Sanders, born September 9, 1890, actively began franchising his chicken business at the age of 65. Now, the Kentucky Fried Chicken® business he started has grown to be one of the largest retail food service systems in the world. And Colonel Sanders, a quick service restaurant pioneer, has become a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit. More than two billion of the Colonel's "finger lickin' good" chicken dinners are served annually. And not just in North America. The Colonel's cooking is available in more than 82 countries around the world. When the Colonel was six, his father died. His mother was forced to go to work, and young. Harland had to take care of his three−year−old brother and baby sister. This meant doing much of the family cooking. By the age of seven, he was a master of a score of regional dishes. At age 10, he got his first job working on a nearby farm for $2 a month. When he was 12, his mother remarried and he left his home near Henryville, Ind., for a job on a farm in Greenwood, Ind. He held a series of jobs over the next few years, first as a 15−year−old streetcar conductor in New Albany, Ind., and then as a 16−year−old private, soldiering for six months in Cuba.

After that he was a railroad fireman, studied law by correspondence, practiced in justice of the peace courts, sold insurance, operated an Ohio River steamboat ferry, sold tires, and operated service stations. When he was 40, the Colonel began cooking for hungry travelers who stopped at his service station in Corbin, Ky. He didn't have a restaurant then, but served folks on his own dining table in the living quarters of his service station. As more people started coming just for food, he moved across the street to a motel and restaurant that seated 142 people. Over the next nine years, he perfected his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices and the basic cooking technique that is still used today. As we grew... Sander's fame grew. Governor Ruby Laffoon made him a Kentucky Colonel in 1935 in recognition of his contributions to the state's cuisine. And in 1939, his establishment was first listed in Duncan Hines' "Adventures in Good Eating." In the early 1950s a new interstate highway was planned to bypass the town of Corbin. Seeing an end to his business, the Colonel auctioned off his operations. After paying his bills, he was reduced to living on his $105 Social Security checks.

Confident of the quality of his fried chicken, the Colonel devoted himself to the chicken franchising business that he started in 1952. He traveled across thecountry by car from restaurant to restaurant, cooking batches of chicken for restaurant owners and their employees. If the reaction was favorable, he entered into a handshake agreement on a deal that stipulated a payment to him of a nickel for each chicken the restaurant sold. By 1964, Colonel Sanders had more than 600 franchised outlets for his chicken in the United States and Canada. That year, he sold his interest in the U.S. company for $2 million to a group of investors including John Y. Brown Jr., who later was governor of Kentucky from 1980 to 1984. The Colonel remained a public spokesman for the company. In 1976, an independent survey ranked the Colonel as the world's second most recognizable celebrity. Under the new owners, Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation grew rapidly. It went public on March 17, 1966, and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange on January 16, 1969. More than 3,500 franchised and company−owned restaurants were in worldwide operation when Heublein Inc. acquired KFC Corporation on July 8, 1971, for $285 million.

Kentucky Fried Chicken became a subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. (now RJRNabisco, Inc.), when Heublein Inc. was acquired by Reynolds in 1982. KFC was acquired in October 1986 from RJR Nabisco, Inc. by PepsiCo, Inc., for approximately $840 million. Colonel Sanders was always experimenting with food at his restaurant in Corbin, Ky., in those early days of the 1930s. He kept adding this and that to the flour for frying chicken and came out with a pretty good−tasting product. But customers still had to wait 30 minutes for it while he fried it up in an iron skillet. That was just too long a wait, he thought. Most other restaurants serving what they called "Southern" fried chicken fried it in deep fat. That was quicker, but the taste wasn't the same. Then the Colonel went to a demonstration of a "new−fangled gizmo" called a pressure cooker sometime in the late 1930s. During the demonstration, green beans turned out tasty and done just right in only a few minutes. This set his mind to thinking. He wondered how it might work on chicken. He bought one of the pressure cookers and made a few adjustments. After a lot of experimenting with cooking time, pressure, shortening temperature and level, Eureka! He'd found a way to fry chicken quickly, under pressure, and come out with the best chicken he'd ever tasted. There are several different kinds of cookers used to make Original Recipe Chicken today. But every one of them fries under pressure, the principle established by this now−famous Kentuckian. The Colonel's first pressure cooker is still around. It holds a place of honor in the Colonel Sanders Museum at KFC's Restaurant Support Center in Louisville.