KFC Coleslaw Recipe {spot on copycat!} - Belly Full (2024)

This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is as close as you can get without actually ordering it from the restaurant directly. The taste is simply perfect. Great dinner side dish or potluck recipe for summer gatherings, or brunches and luncheons all year round. It’s so good!

One of our favorite things to do is create restaurant copycat recipes – sometimes we even make a few tweaks so they’re even better! Copycat winners include Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, Disney Dole Whip, and Sonic Cherry Limeade.

After being in the test kitchen all week, we’ve designated Fridays as our “order in” day. Or is it “order out”? All I know is, I don’t have to cook. During this past year, DoorDash has become a good friend, where my kids pick what they want and it’s delivered usually within an hour. My daughter chooses something different each week, whereas my son picks KFC every.single.time.

My favorite thing on their menu is the coleslaw, but it’s not offered as an a la carte side for some reason – the only way you can get it is to order a meal. So I set out to recreate it. This KFC Coleslaw Recipe is spot on, or at least as close as you can get without actually going and ordering it from KFC directly.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

In order to make this recipe, you’ll need the following Coleslaw Ingredients:

• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Onion
• Mayonnaise
• Whole milk
• Buttermilk
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper

How to Make KFC Coleslaw

It’s very simple to make copycat KFC coleslaw in just a few steps:
(Scroll below for the printable recipe, exact measurements, and video.)

1. Finely chop the cabbage, carrots, and onion.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
3. Add the veggies to the dressing and mix to thoroughly coat.
4. Cover and chill in the fridge overnight. Give it a stir before serving.

Important Tips for Making Authentic KFC Coleslaw

• Chop the vegetables very fine: The cabbage, carrots, and onions are all chopped very fine, almost like the size of rice. You can chop them with a sharp knife, or if you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, use that and then finely chop with a sharp knife.
• There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don’t use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.
• Don’t omit the sugar: Every single ingredient in this recipe is important and what makes the coleslaw taste authentic, including the sugar. It balances out the acidity in the vinegar and lemon juice. If you’ve ever had their coleslaw, you know that it’s a little sweet. That’s from the sugar.
• Chill overnight: At a minimum, the coleslaw should chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but for optimal flavor let it chill overnight. And if you have time (and can remember!) stir it occasionally. This will give you the absolute best results.

Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Make Ahead: You can make the dressing and vegetable mix up to 5 days ahead, and keep them stored separately. 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. The longer it sits, the more soupy it gets. If that bothers you, simply strain off the excess liquid.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

We love this coleslaw served with many of our chicken dishes, including Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Chicken Wings, and Grilled Chicken. It’s also so good on hot dogs and tacos. It’s really delicious all on its own!

How to Make KFC Coleslaw Video

Other Side Salads We Love

• Broccoli Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
• Deli Fruit Salad

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!