KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (2024)

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This KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe lets you make your restaurant favorite side, right in your kitchen! This slaw is perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This recipe is spot on!

We have our restaurant favorites, like myCheddar Bay Biscuits. It's always fun to make them at home from scratch! We serve the coleslaw with Slow Cooker Baked Beans and Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients:
  • How to make KFC Coleslaw?
  • Does it taste like the restaurant coleslaw?
  • The secret to KFC coleslaw recipe:
  • Helpful Tips!
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • More salad recipes:
  • KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Why This Recipe Works

Last weekend, we kicked off the summer with our annual BBQ Bash! There were ribs on the grill, corn on the cob, and coleslaw in the bowls. There were s'mores and sticky fingers and lots of fun and laughter! We live in Kansas and as true mid-westerners, we love our BBQ. And no BBQ dinner is served without coleslaw. Especially this one: the best copycat recipe of the famous KFC coleslaw!

My Hubby takes pride in his ribs (baby back, beef, short ribs - any kind) and has his technique down to perfection. I take care of the sides and dessert.This coleslaw took me a while to perfect. I discovered two secret ingredients that gave it that specific flavor: sugar and onion!

Many of our friends have said that this coleslaw is better than the original, from the restaurant. Now that is a reason to make it all summer long!

Ingredients:

To make the coleslaw you will need:

  • cabbage: you will need about ½ of a medium green cabbage; use a food processor to shred it if you can;
  • carrots: I used just one carrot but feel free to add more to your preferences;
  • onion: it gives the slaw that characteristic flavor; it's the secret ingredient!
  • mayonnaise: makes the dressing creamy and tangy;
  • milk: necessary to thin out the dressing;
  • buttermilk: no need to buy it, just follow our recipe for buttermilk substitute;
  • apple cider vinegar: helps break down the veggies while the slaw refrigerates;
  • sugar: balances the tangy flavors;
  • salt and pepper: season to taste.

How to make KFC Coleslaw?

  • Shredd cabbage, dice onion, and carrots.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.Pour over the veggies and stir all with a wooden spoon.
  • Cover the bowl with a saran wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Stir again before serving.

Does it taste like the restaurant coleslaw?

Yes!It is spot on. It's creamy, tangy with a perfect ratio of cabbage, carrot and dressing. The onion and sugar add the slaw that specific flavor. Check out the reviews from our readers below. Many say it is even better than the restaurant slaw!

KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (2)

The secret to KFC coleslaw recipe:

I did a little bit of research and in no time I was whipping up the famous KFC copycat in my own kitchen. The hardest part was waiting for the whole thing to mingle flavors while chilling in the fridge.My own coleslaw lacked in flavor. It turned out that sugar and onion were the secret ingredients! It gave the coleslaw the characteristic flavor.

Helpful Tips!

  • Use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots. This saves a lot of time!
  • Make your own buttermilk with milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
  • It is absolutely necessary to let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. The vegetables need time to marinate with the dressing.
  • Don't forget to stir the slaw before serving.

Recipe FAQs:

What can I use in place of buttermilk?

You don't have to buy buttermilk for this recipe. You can make it at home by mixing half and half (or whole milk) and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Check out my recipe for buttermilk substitute for the full list of ingredients.

How long does it last?

You can keep the coleslaw in a container with a lid, in the fridge for up to 5 days. Always stir before serving.

Why is the coleslaw watery at the bottom of the serving bowl?

It is very normal for the liquid from veggies and dressing to collect at the bottom of the bowl. You can simply stir the coleslaw or drain the liquid.

More salad recipes:

  • BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
  • Dill Pickle Potato Salad Recipe
  • Easy Broccoli Salad
  • Fresh Corn Salad
KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (7)

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (8)

KFC Coleslaw Copycat

Author: Anna

This KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe lets you make your restaurant favorite side, right in your kitchen! This slaw is perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This recipe is spot on!

4.95 from 55 votes

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Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 9 people

Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 cups shredded then diced cabbage about ½ of a medium head
  • 1 medium carrot
  • ¼ medium yellow onion minced

Instructions

  • Shred the cabbage and carrot and dice finely.

    4 cups shredded then diced cabbage, 1 medium carrot

  • Mix all veggies in a large mixing bowl.

    ¼ medium yellow onion

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.Pour over the veggies and stir all with a wooden spoon.

    ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup buttermilk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 ½ tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar, 2 ½ tablespoon lemon juice

  • Cover the bowl with a saran wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  • Stir again before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Total time doesn't include the chilling time of 4 hours.
  • Make homemade buttermilk with whole milk (or half and half) and apple cider vinegar. See my recipe for buttermilk substitute.
  • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 44mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1160IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!

  1. Christopher says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (13)
    Nothing to add nothing to subtract. Salówka as from the best restaurant

    Reply

  2. Mary says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (14)
    This turned out really nice! Thanks!

    Reply

  3. James says

    This recipe is on the mark. I am not a chef but the final dish tasted exactly like KFC. This is a dish I will bring to parties. Thank you.

    Reply

  4. BethAnn says

    Love it! Along with everyone else.
    Don’t live by a KFC anymore but when I make this brings back great memories.

    Reply

    • Anna says

      I am so glad! Thank you, BethAnn!

      Reply

  5. Denise says

    Love it. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Anna says

      Thank you, Denise!

      Reply

  6. Jennifer says

    Mmmm. Yum. Really great and just like KFC, which is my favorite. I didn't have buttermilk, so just used half a cup of milk and added some of the lemon juice to it. Worked perfectly! I used too much cabbage for the recipe, but that just means I'll have more!

    Reply

    • Jennifer says

      KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (15)
      Also, I used a food processor for the vegetables. Really made them the right size.

      Reply

      • Anna says

        Perfect! Food processor is a huge help here.

    • Anna says

      That's awesome! Thank you, Jennifer!

      Reply

  7. Henry says

    As an ex manager for kfc from long ago. We made the original recipe. It's about the grind more so than the sauce. You need to either hand shredd ultra fine side or food possessor it fine shredd. Saving all juices that come out of the process. It should be like angel hair but a bit finer. Now mix your sauce withe juices and combine with the grind. Let set 1 hr.

    Reply

  8. Donna says

    Excellent!! I added some celery seed and put it through my food processor which made it quick. I agree..The onion is what makes it great.

    Reply

    • Anna says

      Thank you, Donna!

      Reply

  9. Jacqueline Y Hall says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (16)
    I have been making this recipe every since I found it.I only like it and KFC. Love it. Recently did not have any vinegar and did not know it and used rice vinegar just about half as much as the vinegar and it turned out just as great.

    Reply

  10. Kris Marie says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (17)
    Just made this and it’s chilling in the fridge! Will put this on top of my pulled pork barbecue sandwiches later, oh my it tastes AMAZING! Saving and will use again and again! I might have been a little light on the cabbage as I used half a head of green cabbage and shredded my on carrot. Really looking forward to this! Thank you!

    Reply

  11. Uma says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (18)
    We tried this recipe as a family for our bbq night and it turns out to be everyone’s favourite. Because of the hit, my husband would like to make again for our upcoming event.

    Reply

  12. Uma says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (19)
    This recipe is a hit! We tried this recipe for our bbq night and it turns out to be everyone’s favourite😀

    Reply

    • Charlene Miller says

      KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (20)
      Best ever copycat recipe! I've made it several times and each time people want more than I can make. The rant and rave over how good it is.some say, better than KFC.

      Reply

  13. Lori says

    KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (21)
    I made this a few nights ago and it turned out so yummy. I also noticed that the dressing can go a long way for you to double the amount of cabbage. In fact, I used a whole bag of the precut cabbage and carrot slaw mix. This saved me more time and I had plenty of the dressing for all of it to get the proper saturation. Delish.

    Reply

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KFC Coleslaw Copycat recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is KFC coleslaw dressing made of? ›

ingredients
  1. 2 -3 tablespoons lemon juice.
  2. 1 -2 tablespoon white vinegar.
  3. 1 pinch salt.
  4. 1 pinch ground pepper.
  5. 1 quarter of a cup milk.
  6. 1 quarter of a cup buttermilk.
  7. half a cup mayonnaise.
  8. 1 third of a cup granulated sugar.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Does KFC slaw have onions in it? ›

The KFC website lists all ingredients for its cole slaw. They include chopped cabbage; carrots; onions; sugar; water; soybean oil; distilled vinegar; corn syrup; food starch; whole eggs; salt; corn vinegar; spice; apple cider; vinegar; and paprika. It also contains natural and artificial flavors.

How long does KFC coleslaw last in the fridge? ›

Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Then combine for a fresh batch. How long does KFC Coleslaw last in the fridge? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3 days. Always stir before serving.

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

What is the unhealthiest thing at KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

Why does KFC taste different than it used to? ›

The problem seems to stem from a change that management made in 200- At that time, KFC decided to switch from using fresh, whole chickens to cheaper, processed ones. This change may have had an adverse effect on the quality of the food, as processed chicken is often lower in quality than fresh chicken.

Why did KFC get rid of lettuce? ›

In July 2022, KFC Australia was forced to substitute cabbage for lettuce in their sandwiches, following a shortage caused by flooding of farms.

Why did Chick Fil A stop selling coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

Why does KFC keep getting rid of popcorn chicken? ›

It's a tactical effort by the fast food company to streamline the menu. Not all of these items were available at every location, and after gathering data on which items performed well in sales, these were the ones determined to be nixed from menus, KFC U.S. Director Brittany Wilson told USA Today.

Why is KFC using cabbage instead of lettuce? ›

KFC says change is due to a lettuce shortage after floods destroyed crops in New South Wales and Queensland. The fried chicken chain KFC has been forced to make menu changes in its burgers and wraps in Australia as the country faces the consequences of floods that destroyed lettuce crops.

How healthy is KFC coleslaw? ›

KFC, Coleslaw contains 161 calories per 112 g serving. This serving contains 9.7 g of fat, 1 g of protein and 18 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 15 g sugar and 2.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. KFC, Coleslaw contains 1.5 g of saturated fat and 2.2 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Can you freeze coleslaw? ›

It is perfectly safe to freeze coleslaw. You can freeze coleslaw without risk as long as the slaw hasn't been left out before freezing and it's thawed slowly in the fridge. Now, will your coleslaw be just as good once it's thawed? No, most definitely not.

Can you eat 3 day old KFC? ›

As someone who has kept KFC chicken in the fridge before, it can be kept in there for about 3 days before the crispy coating starts to become un-salvageable. On a side note, it is best reheated in the oven.

Can I eat 2 day out of date coleslaw? ›

Well, like most things if it looks okay, smells okay and tastes okay, it's probably okay to eat. Signs to look out for might include the texture getting noticeably softer instead of crispy, any discoloration at all (areas or spots of gray or brown), and obviously anything growing on it.

Can you eat 4 day old coleslaw? ›

Coleslaw should be stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F to ensure safety and maintain quality. It is recommended to place coleslaw in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The shelf life of coleslaw in the fridge is typically 3 to 5 days. Homemade coleslaw: Consume within 3-4 days.

Why do you put salt on cabbage for coleslaw? ›

Salting the cabbage, carrot, and onion purges excess moisture that would otherwise turn the slaw into a soupy mess. Including sugar (another osmosis-inducing ingredient) balances the flavor. Limiting the purge to five minutes keeps the cabbage crunchy.

How to stop homemade coleslaw from going watery? ›

Salting the cabbage should be step one of any coleslaw recipe. With the shredded cabbage in a colander, mix in a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage till it's evenly distributed. The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness.

What tool is best for shredding cabbage for coleslaw? ›

Food processors offer precision and consistency when shredding cabbage.

What is Popeyes coleslaw made of? ›

Made with cabbage, red pepper, carrot and onion, this awesome recipe for coleslaw has all of the ingredients you love about traditional coleslaw and is topped with a slightly sweet dressing that sets it apart from many other coleslaw recipes…

What is KFC sauce made of? ›

It's an obvious knock-off inspired by the Worcestershire and mayo-based sauces made famous by the fried chicken tender chains Zaxby's and Raising Cane's. But KFC's Finger Lickin' Good Sauce is a little different with the addition of pickle juice, mustard, and a little more sugar than the other recipes.

Does KFC still use cabbage? ›

KFC outlets, excluding those in the Northern Territory and South Australia, currently uses a 60/40 blend of lettuce and cabbage – but this will soon no longer be necessary, O'Malley said. “The crop got decimated. We do think it's short term in nature,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

What is KFC mayo made of? ›

Learn how to make delicious KFC-style mayo at home using Sauce Shop's Original Mayo and Buffalo Hot Sauce. This easy recipe includes lemon juice, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Perfect for your homemade fast food cravings.

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