The Famous KFC Coleslaw Recipe

Coleslaw is more than just a side dish—it’s a staple of comfort food. The iconic KFC coleslaw is one of the most recognizable versions, known for its finely chopped cabbage, subtle sweetness, and creamy dressing that balances tang and richness. Served alongside fried chicken, BBQ, or even burgers, this coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through heavier dishes.

This homemade version is spot-on: cool, creamy, and delightfully tangy, with that nostalgic taste everyone remembers. The secret lies in chopping the vegetables very fine and letting the mixture rest so the flavors meld into that unmistakable KFC flavor profile.

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🛒 Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup sugar

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup buttermilk

• 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 ½ tablespoons white vinegar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

• 8 cups finely chopped cabbage (about 1 medium head)

• ¼ cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)

• 2 tablespoons minced onion

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

1. Wash and peel the carrot.

2. Chop the cabbage and carrot very finely. Ideally, pieces should be no larger than a grain of rice—this is what gives KFC coleslaw its signature texture. A food processor works great here.

3. Mince the onion very fine.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

1. Add cabbage, carrots, and onion to the bowl.

2. Mix well until everything is coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Rest

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, but overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the cabbage to slightly soften, creating that authentic coleslaw taste.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with fried chicken, grilled meats, or BBQ ribs.

• Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or burgers.

• Pair it with seafood like fried fish or shrimp.

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🌟 Tips for Success

• For the most authentic taste, chop the vegetables very finely.

• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar if you prefer a tangier version.

• If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by mixing ¼ cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar.

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❓ Related Questions & Answers

1. Why is KFC coleslaw so finely chopped?

The fine chop gives the coleslaw its creamy consistency and ensures every bite has balanced flavor.

2. Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Is coleslaw healthy?

It can be! While the classic recipe uses mayonnaise and sugar, you can lighten it up with Greek yogurt or a vinegar-based dressing.

4. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, it’s a quick shortcut. Just chop it a bit finer to mimic the original KFC texture.

5. What can I serve coleslaw with besides chicken?

Coleslaw pairs beautifully with BBQ pulled pork, grilled burgers, fish tacos, and even as a crunchy topping on hot dogs.