Every fried chicken dinner needs a cool side dish, which may be why KFC’s Coleslaw is a total fan favorite. It may be hard to believe, but KFC Coleslaw is the chain’s best-selling side..even surpassing their mashed potatoes and gravy! Now, you can have a taste of Colonel Sander’s legacy anytime you want with our Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe.
This dish embodies everything that makes KFC’s version so great: easy-to-eat slaw pieces, a sweet, creamy dressing, and a hint of tanginess. Simply put, KFC Coleslaw is southern cooking at its best!
Copycat KFC Coleslaw is the ideal recipe for any summer cookout, family dinner, or picnic. It comes together in 10 minutes and is the perfect “mix it and forget it” side. Give it a shot, and let us know how it compares!
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Quick KFC History
Think you know everything there is to know about America’s favorite fried chicken? Test your knowledge with these fun facts.
- Kentucky Fried Chicken was started by Colonel Harland Sanders, who sold fried chicken outside his gas station in the 1930s. Needless to say, people weren’t just coming for the petrol!
- Colonel Sanders turned his gas station into a cafe motel called the Sanders Motel & Cafe, expanding his offerings to include mashed potatoes, dessert, and more.
- Despite popular belief, Colonel Sanders had no military affiliation. He was a Colonel of the state of Kentucky.
- The first actual Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant opened in 1952, located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- KFC is considered a Christmas tradition in Japan; unique gifts are even added to the bucket meals. Customers reserve their meals months in advance. Sadly, Americans can’t follow that tradition, as most U.S. KFCs are closed on Christmas.
- The first KFC bucket was sold in 1957. It quickly became a family favorite for nights when you’re too tired to cook.
- If you’re a KFC superfan, you’ll want to look into their merch. KFC has a set of Crocs and a fireplace log that smells like their signature chicken. Now that’s cozy living!
- Today, there are more than 20,000 KFC restaurants across the globe. Many make it a goal to visit KFCs on each continent. #YOLO
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Cost of Making Our Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Based on your locale, a family-sized side of KFC Coleslaw will cost you around $5.79. That serves approximately four people at $1.44 a person. In comparison, you can make a family-sized batch of our Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe for just $.71 a person, as the recipe generously serves 8.
Keep in mind that this cost may differ based on locale.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Bag of coleslaw mix: $2.50
- Bag of shredded carrots: $1.50
- Sugar: $0.13
- Mayonnaise: $0.45
- Buttermilk: $0.13
- Milk: $0.06
- Lemon: $0.50
- Salt: $0.01
- Black pepper: $0.01
- Onion powder: $0.20
- Garlic powder: $0.20
Grand Total: Total cost ($5.69) divided by 8 servings = $0.71 per serving. 🤯
With how easy it is to make a batch of coleslaw, this lower cost will be highly preferred, especially when cooking for a crowd!
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How to Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Here’s how to make enough KFC Coleslaw to feed a crowd..or satisfy that craving you can’t scratch!
Step One: Chop the Veggies
Add the coleslaw and carrots to a food processor and pulse until it reaches a bite-size consistency. You’re looking for chunks of coleslaw rather than shreds. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may have to do this in two batches.
Alternatively, you can do it the old-fashioned way and mince the slaw with a knife. Place the chopped veggies in a large bowl and set aside.
Step Two: Make the Dressing
To make the dressing, add the sugar, mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to a separate bowl or large glass cup and mix until smooth.
Step Three: Create the Coleslaw
Pour the dressing over the processed coleslaw and carrot mixture and combine until homogenous. Let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marinate.
What to Serve With Our KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Serve this Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe with our KFC Fried Chicken (it tastes JUST like the original!) for an authentically finger-lickin’ good meal. On that note, you can’t go wrong with a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
You can also serve this side at a barbeque, accompanied by burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and roasted marshmallows.
Storing Leftover KFC Coleslaw
You can store leftover Copycat KFC Coleslaw in the fridge for up to 4 days. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the veggies get soggy when thawed. You can use leftover coleslaw to top wraps, sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Homemade KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Enjoy the refreshing taste of a cole slaw recipe that's been around for more than 50 years. This classic recipe is the perfect side dish to compliment a heavy main dish. It's filled with nutrition and can be easily modified to add a little more sweetness or throw some extra spice to fire things up. We're giving you a simple, quick version that includes a bag of coleslaw mix (green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots); you're welcome to buy these separately and chop them up for even more cost savings.
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 1 bag bag coleslaw (16 ounce)
- 1 bag bag shredded carrots (10 ounce)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 count lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Add the coleslaw and carrots to a food processor and pulse until it reaches a bite-size consistency. You’re looking for chunks of coleslaw rather than shreds. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may have to do this in two batches.
Alternatively, you can do it the old-fashioned way and mince the slaw with a knife. Place the chopped veggies in a large bowl and set aside.
To make the dressing, add the sugar, mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to a separate bowl or large glass cup and mix until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the processed coleslaw and carrot mixture and combine until homogenous. Let chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marinate.