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Crispy Spelt KFC Fakeaway – Cheap & Healthy UK Family Dinner

Golden, spiced, and irresistibly crispy – these chicken thighs are packed with flavour and perfect for loading into buns, serving with fries, or enjoying just as they are. A spicy sauce takes them to the next level.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, Fakeaway, KFC, Spelt
Servings: 6
Calories: 580kcal
Cost: from £1.48 per portion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 600 g chicken thighs skinless and boneless
  • 150 ml milk
  • ½ lemon juiced

For the Crispy Coating

  • 120 g spelt flour
  • 2 tsp table salt
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • tsp celery salt
  • 1 tbsp garlic salt
  • tsp ground black pepper
  • tsp ground white pepper
  • tsp ground ginger
  • Oil for deep frying (vegetable or sunflower work best)

For the Spicy Sauce (Optional but delicious)

  • 200 ml passata
  • 3 tbsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar

To Serve

  • Lettuce
  • American Cheese 1 slice per burger
  • 6 Burger Buns

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl with the milk and lemon juice. Stir well to coat and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for extra tenderness).

Prepare the Crispy Coating

  • Combine all the dry mix ingredients in a large bowl and give it a thorough stir.

Heat the Oil

  • Fill a deep, heavy-based pan with oil (about halfway) and heat to 160°C. Use a cooking thermometer for safety and accuracy.

Coat the Chicken

  • Take the marinated chicken pieces and, one at a time, coat them well in the dry mix. Toss them around and press gently to help the coating stick. Leave all coated pieces in the bowl for a few minutes – this helps the flour soak into the surface for that perfect crispy crunch.

Fry Until Crispy

  • Carefully lower 2–3 chicken thighs at a time into the hot oil, placing them away from you to avoid splashes. Fry for 5–7 minutes or until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Work in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Make the Spicy Sauce (optional)

  • While the chicken is frying, stir together all the spicy sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat until just simmering, then set aside.

How to Serve

  • Dip each crispy chicken thigh in the spicy sauce, then layer into toasted brioche buns with:
  • Crisp lettuce
  • American-style cheese
  • Pickles or slaw (optional)
  • Or serve them straight-up with fries, wedges, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Storage Tips
  • Leftovers? Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in a hot oven for 10–12 minutes to keep the coating crisp.
  • Sauce can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.