Behind the Scenes at KFC Canada

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the process behind KFC’s signature chicken preparation. From inspecting the raw chicken to removing excess fat and ensuring proper breading, the process includes steps like dipping in water, the 7-10-7 breading method, and pressing to ensure even coating. The chicken is then carefully fried at the right temperature to achieve a crispy, flavorful result. With attention to detail and quality control, the video highlights the precision and care involved in creating the perfect KFC chicken, ensuring both taste and safety for consumers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The chicken undergoes a thorough inspection to remove excess fat, feathers, and other impurities before cooking.
• 😀 The bone in chicken thighs is carefully broken to ensure proper cooking and even frying in the oil.
• 😀 The chicken is dipped in water to remove any excess material and prepare it for breading, enhancing the appearance of the coating.
• 😀 A unique breading technique, '7107,' is used, which involves rolling the chicken 7 times, followed by 10 scoops and folds of flour, and a final pressing for adherence.
• 😀 The pressing step ensures that the breading sticks to the chicken properly and doesn't fall off during frying.
• 😀 Excess breading is removed by shaking and tapping the chicken, which also helps prolong the life of the frying oil.
• 😀 The chicken is placed on racks according to a specific chart to ensure even cooking and proper food safety.
• 😀 If a piece of chicken has uneven breading (a bald spot), extra flour is added and pressed onto the meat before it is re-tapped and placed back on the rack.
• 😀 The chicken is cooked in oil at a precise temperature, with constant stirring to ensure consistent frying and avoid drops in temperature.
• 😀 The finished chicken should have a golden-brown exterior, a moist interior, and a crisp, not overly crunchy, skin.
• 😀 The flavor of KFC chicken primarily comes from the breading, as the chicken itself is not marinated, and the seasoning is also found in the gravy.
• 😀 The chicken used in KFC products comes from Great Canadian Farms, which ensures no hormones or steroids are used in raising the poultry.

Q & A

What is the importance of inspecting the chicken before cooking?

Inspecting the chicken is crucial to remove any excess fat, feathers, or other undesirable materials that could affect the final product. This ensures that only high-quality, clean chicken enters the cooking process.

Why is it necessary to break the bone in the chicken thighs?

Breaking the bone in the chicken thighs allows the meat to cook more evenly in the oil, ensuring that the chicken cooks thoroughly and achieves the desired texture.

What role does dipping the chicken in water serve during the preparation process?

Dipping the chicken in water helps to remove any loose particles and prepares the surface for the breading. It also helps to achieve a better coating by making the chicken slightly damp, which ensures the flour adheres more effectively.

Can you explain the '7-10-7' method in the breading process?

'7-10-7' refers to a technique where the chicken is rolled seven times in flour, followed by sprinkling flour over it, and then using a scoop and fold method for 10 repetitions. This ensures an even and consistent coating before the chicken is pressed for the final time.

Why is pressing the chicken important after breading?

Pressing the chicken is essential for ensuring the breading sticks to the surface of the meat. It helps the flour adhere firmly, preventing the breading from falling off during frying and contributing to the crispy texture.

What does the 'shake and tap' technique do during the breading process?

The 'shake and tap' technique helps to remove excess flour from the breading. It ensures that the chicken doesn’t have too much flour, which could cause the chicken to develop an undesirable doughy texture or burn during frying.

How does the temperature of the oil affect the cooking process?

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is critical to ensure the chicken cooks properly. If the temperature is too low, the chicken may become soggy, while too high a temperature could lead to burning the breading before the chicken is fully cooked.

Why is it important to rack the chicken before cooking?

Racking the chicken ensures that it’s evenly coated and ready for frying. It also helps organize the chicken according to its size and cooking time, which contributes to a more consistent cooking process.

What should you look for in the final cooked chicken?

The final cooked chicken should be golden brown with evenly distributed spices and pepper, ensuring the breading is crisp but not overly crunchy. The meat should remain moist, with the flavor coming primarily from the breading, which is seasoned with the original recipe spices.

How does the quality of the chicken impact the final product?

Using high-quality chicken, such as hormone-free, farm-raised chicken, ensures a better flavor and texture in the final product. It’s also important for transparency, as consumers are more likely to appreciate the quality and care put into sourcing the ingredients.