If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking extra containers of KFC coleslaw into your takeout order, you’re not alone. This Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe tastes remarkably close to the famous restaurant version—sweet, creamy, tangy, and perfectly crunchy.
Made with simple ingredients and no complicated steps, this homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes and tastes even better after chilling overnight. It’s the perfect side dish for backyard barbecues, fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and summer potlucks.
The secret is finely chopping the cabbage and carrots so every bite has that signature KFC texture and flavor everyone loves. (I like using my fine shredding blade on the food processor)
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Why You’ll Love This Copycat KFC Coleslaw
- Tastes just like the original KFC recipe
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Perfect make-ahead side dish
- Great for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
- Sweet, creamy, and tangy flavor
- Ready in about 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
For the 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
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the cabbage until it resembles the texture of the original KFC coleslaw. A food processor works great for this step.
Add the cabbage, carrots, and onion to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to blend together and creates that classic KFC flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Stir before serving and enjoy alongside your favorite comfort food meals.
More Summer Side Dishes To Try
Tips for the Best Copycat KFC Coleslaw
- Finely chop the cabbage for the authentic texture.
- Let it chill overnight whenever possible.
- Use buttermilk for the signature tangy flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Make it a day ahead for parties and gatherings.
What to Serve With KFC Coleslaw
This classic side pairs perfectly with:
Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe tastes just like the famous restaurant version! Creamy, sweet, tangy, and loaded with crunchy cabbage and carrots, it’s the perfect side dish for fried chicken, BBQ, burgers, picnics, and potlucks.
Ingredients
Coleslaw
- 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage
- ¼ cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons finely 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
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Finely chop the cabbage until it resembles the texture of traditional KFC coleslaw.
- Place the cabbage, carrots, and onion into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and celery seed until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Stir well before serving and enjoy.
Notes
- The finer the cabbage is chopped, the closer it will taste to the original KFC version.
- Overnight chilling produces the best flavor.
- Perfect for BBQs, fried chicken dinners, picnics, and potlucks.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4+ Hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | BBQ, AMERICAN | BBQ | SUMMER
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate and become watery once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight.
Why does KFC coleslaw taste different?
The combination of buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar creates the signature sweet and tangy flavor that makes KFC coleslaw unique.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. Just pulse it a few times in a food processor to achieve a finer texture similar to the original recipe.
Is KFC coleslaw sweet?
Yes. One of the reasons people love it is the balance of sweetness and tanginess in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This easy Copycat KFC Coleslaw Recipe is one of those timeless side dishes that never goes out of style. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy, it’s the perfect addition to everything from fried chicken dinners to summer cookouts. Once you try this homemade version, you may never need to order the restaurant version again.
