If you’ve ever found yourself craving the cool, creamy crunch that comes alongside your fried chicken dinner, get ready because this is the real deal: KFC Coleslaw! With its signature sweet tang and that ultra-fine, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this homemade version delivers every bit of the classic flavor you know and love. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or pairing it with a weeknight meal, this beloved side is about to be the star of your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This KFC Coleslaw recipe is made with simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role in the final, crave-worthy result, so let’s break it down:

Green Cabbage: Finely chopped, it’s the crisp and fresh backbone of the slaw that soaks up all that irresistible dressing.
Carrot: Shredded for pops of sweet color and just the right amount of earthy flavor.
Minced Onion: A little goes a long way—adds a subtle bite and depth, rounding out the sweetness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together for that classic, luscious KFC Coleslaw feel.
Granulated Sugar: Gives the dressing its signature sweet note, balancing the tang perfectly.
Whole Milk: Lightens up the dressing, adding extra silkiness and keeping the slaw from feeling heavy.
Buttermilk: Key for authentic tang and a subtle zip you’ll notice in every bite.
Lemon Juice: Fresh citrusy brightness that makes the flavors pop.
White Vinegar: Offers a sharper, clean tang, essential for mimicking that classic restaurant taste.
Salt: Brings all the flavors to life and ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned.
Black Pepper: Just a hint delivers a gentle, peppery warmth in the background.

How to Make KFC Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by grabbing your green cabbage and carrot—this is where the magic begins! For truly authentic KFC Coleslaw, you’ll want everything super finely chopped, almost rice-sized. A food processor or a good sharp knife is your best friend here. Toss the cabbage, carrot, and minced onion into a large mixing bowl and give them a gentle mix with clean hands or a spatula until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, whole milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar dissolves, so your KFC Coleslaw won’t have any grainy bits—just pure creamy perfection.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Now pour the velvety dressing over your bowl of shredded veggies. Take a big spatula and gently fold everything together, making sure every last shred of cabbage and carrot is nicely coated. The dressing might look a little thin at first, but don’t worry—it thickens as it chills, soaking right into the veggies for that classic flavor you crave.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap (or a lid) and tuck it into the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better! The time in the fridge marries all those flavors, softens the cabbage just enough, and gives you that authentic KFC Coleslaw texture and taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give the slaw a good stir to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom. Spoon it into a pretty serving dish or directly onto plates—however you choose, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve KFC Coleslaw

Garnishes

Craving that picture-perfect presentation? Sprinkle a bit more finely shredded carrot or a pinch of minced parsley on top to make your KFC Coleslaw pop with color. For a little twist, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can add an extra kick and visual flair!

Side Dishes

KFC Coleslaw is a born sidekick—think golden fried chicken, crispy chicken tenders, or smoky barbecue ribs. It’s unbeatable alongside burgers or tucked into sandwiches for a cool, crunchy contrast. If you like mixing and matching, try it with hot wings or even grilled fish for a lighter vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Pack your KFC Coleslaw into mini mason jars for individual servings at picnics, or heap it onto sliders to add crunch. Layer it into wraps, pitas, or tacos, or serve as a fresh topping for baked potatoes. However you serve it, this coleslaw is always a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your KFC Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay wonderfully crisp and flavorful for up to 3 days—just give it a quick stir before serving, as dressing may settle. The flavors might get even better as they mingle!

Freezing

Coleslaw and freezers don’t usually mix; the creamy dressing separates and the cabbage loses its satisfying crunch. For best results, enjoy your KFC Coleslaw fresh or refrigerated, not frozen.

Reheating

Great news: there’s no need to reheat KFC Coleslaw! Simply chill it, stir, and serve straight from the fridge. If it seems a bit watery after sitting, drain off a little excess liquid and it’ll be good as new.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage?

You sure can! Pre-shredded mixes are convenient, but for the most authentic KFC Coleslaw, give the mix a few extra chops to get those tiny, fine pieces that mimic the original texture. It makes a big difference!

What’s the best way to shred cabbage for KFC Coleslaw?

A food processor is the fastest and easiest tool for that super-fine chop. Alternatively, a sharp chef’s knife works if you have a steady hand and a bit of patience. The key is to aim for rice-like bits rather than big shreds or chunks.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, combine one tablespoon lemon juice with enough milk to make ¼ cup. Let it sit for five minutes before adding—it’ll give your KFC Coleslaw the right amount of zip!

Can I make KFC Coleslaw vegan?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based mayonnaise and substitute non-dairy milk and buttermilk alternatives. The result is just as creamy and flavorful—no one will miss the dairy.

Why does the coleslaw need to chill before serving?

Chilling allows the dressing to absorb into the cabbage and carrot, softening them just enough and giving your KFC Coleslaw its signature flavor and texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that restaurant-quality taste!

Final Thoughts

This homemade KFC Coleslaw is one of those special recipes that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and your taste buds. It’s easy to whip up, irresistibly creamy, and perfectly tangy—so go ahead and treat yourself to a big, refreshing bowl. Your next meal just found its new favorite side!

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious creamy coleslaw recipe inspired by KFC, featuring finely chopped green cabbage, shredded carrot, and a flavorful dressing. This classic side dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side to your favorite fried chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Coleslaw:

8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
¼ cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons minced onion

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup buttermilk
2½ tablespoons lemon juice
1½ tablespoons white vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cut and Mix Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, and onion.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Stir coleslaw before serving.