KFC’s coleslaw is legendary. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and refreshingly crisp—arguably one of the best fast-food coleslaws ever. If you’ve ever craved that signature taste at home, you’re in luck! This copycat KFC coleslaw recipe is spot on, capturing the same texture, flavor, and balance of ingredients that make it so irresistible.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect KFC-style coleslaw, tips to ensure the best texture and flavor, how to tweak the recipe to your liking, and how to store it properly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Tastes Just Like KFC’s – This recipe is as close as you can get to the real deal, with a creamy dressing and finely chopped cabbage that melts in your mouth.
✅ Easy to Make – You only need a handful of simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – This coleslaw is the ultimate side dish for fried chicken, BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pulled pork!
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
Ingredients for Copycat KFC Coleslaw
For the Coleslaw:
- 🥬 4 cups finely chopped cabbage (about ½ a medium head)
- 🥕 ½ medium carrot, very finely chopped
- 🧅 2 tablespoons minced onion
For the Dressing:
- 🥛 2 tablespoons buttermilk (adds creaminess and tanginess)
- 🍶 4 teaspoons white vinegar (enhances the tangy kick)
- 🥛 2 tablespoons milk (helps create the perfect consistency)
- 🥄 ¼ cup mayonnaise (for a rich, creamy texture)
- 🍋 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (brightens up the flavors)
- 🍬 4 teaspoons granulated sugar (balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness)
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adds a mild hint of spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Vegetables 🥬🥕
The texture of KFC coleslaw is very fine, almost like a slaw salad that’s been minced rather than roughly chopped. To achieve this:
✔ Use a Food Processor – The easiest and quickest way to finely chop the cabbage and carrot is by using a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until you reach a fine, uniform texture.
✔ By Hand – If you don’t have a food processor, use a sharp knife and chop the cabbage as finely as possible. Grate the carrot using the fine side of a grater.
✔ Minced Onion – Finely mince the onion so that it blends well into the dressing.
Step 2: Make the Dressing 🥄
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
✅ Buttermilk
✅ White vinegar
✅ Milk
✅ Mayonnaise
✅ Lemon juice
✅ Sugar
✅ Salt
✅ Black pepper
✔ Whisk Until Smooth – The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and well-mixed.
✔ Taste and Adjust – Give it a taste and adjust if needed. If you like it a bit tangier, add a little more vinegar or lemon juice. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more sugar.
Step 3: Combine and Mix 🥣
- Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and onions into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
At first, the coleslaw may seem a bit dry, but don’t worry—as it sits, the cabbage will release moisture, making the coleslaw perfectly creamy.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor ❄️
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (but overnight is even better).
- Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
✔ Why Chilling is Important: The flavors meld together, and the texture becomes more like the KFC version as the cabbage absorbs the dressing.
Tips for the Best KFC-Style Coleslaw
🥬 Use Fresh Ingredients – The best coleslaw starts with fresh, crisp cabbage and sweet, bright carrots.
🔪 Finely Chop for Authentic Texture – The key to replicating KFC coleslaw is the finely minced cabbage and carrot. If it’s too chunky, it won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth feel.
🍶 Don’t Skip the Buttermilk – It adds a subtle tanginess and richness that’s essential for the signature KFC coleslaw flavor.
⏳ Let it Rest – The coleslaw tastes much better after a few hours of chilling.
❄️ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture will become watery and mushy.
How to Customize Your Coleslaw
✅ Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and low-fat buttermilk for a healthier alternative.
✅ Sweeter Coleslaw: Increase the sugar to 5 or 6 teaspoons for a more pronounced sweetness.
✅ Extra Crunchy: Add chopped celery or green bell pepper for a crisp bite.
✅ Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
What to Serve with Copycat KFC Coleslaw?
This coleslaw is a classic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with:
🍗 Fried Chicken – Of course, it’s the perfect match for crispy, golden fried chicken!
🍔 Burgers & Sandwiches – Serve alongside or pile it onto pulled pork, chicken, or beef sandwiches.
🥩 BBQ Ribs & Brisket – The creamy, tangy flavors balance out smoky, rich BBQ meats.
🌭 Hot Dogs & Grilled Meats – A great addition to any summer BBQ spread.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I Make This Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Make it a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
2. How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this coleslaw stays fresh for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
3. Can I Use Pre-Shredded Coleslaw Mix?
Yes, but the texture will be different. KFC coleslaw has very finely chopped cabbage and carrots, so if you use bagged coleslaw mix, consider chopping it even smaller.
4. Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes! Replace buttermilk and milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk + a splash of lemon juice.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat KFC Coleslaw is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and unbelievably delicious! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal prepping, or just craving that classic KFC flavor, this homemade version will not disappoint.
Try it today and enjoy a taste of KFC at home! 🍽️🥬🥕
➡️ Let us know how it turned out! Did it taste like the real deal? 😃
