KFC Coleslaw Recipe: The Creamy, Tangy Side You’ve Been Craving

Let’s be real—nobody goes to KFC just for the chicken. Don’t get me wrong, the crispy stuff is great, but the coleslaw? That’s the unsung hero. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and basically the only green(ish) thing you willingly eat with fried chicken. Ever found yourself craving that perfect bowl of slaw at midnight? (No judgment, I’ve been there.) Good news: you can make KFC coleslaw recipe at home, and yes—it’s scarily close to the real deal.

Grab your apron (or just a bowl and a spoon—no one’s judging), and let’s make some magic cabbage happen.

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Why Everyone’s Obsessed with KFC Coleslaw

Let’s address the crunchy elephant in the room. What’s so special about KFC’s coleslaw, anyway?

• It’s ridiculously creamy—but not gloopy.
  
• The tang hits just right, balancing sweet and sour like a flavor tightrope.
  
• No weird extras. Just cabbage, carrots, a whisper of onion, and a dressing that dreams are made of.
  

IMO, it’s the ultimate sidekick. Want to add freshness to fried food? Boom—coleslaw. BBQ sandwich feeling lonely? Slap some slaw on it. Random Tuesday lunch? Slaw saves the day again.

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What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Before you run to the store, chances are you’ve already got most of this stuff chilling in your fridge or pantry. That’s the beauty of it.

🥬 The Veggies:

• 8 cups finely chopped green cabbage (Yes, finely. No chunky slaw allowed.)
  
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
  
• 2 tablespoons minced onion (just enough for flavor, not enough to breathe dragon fire)
  

FYI: You can cheat and buy a pre-shredded coleslaw mix, but if you want the real texture, just grab a knife and chop it yourself.

🥄 The Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s = top-tier choices)
  
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (adds that creamy tang)
  
• 1/4 cup whole milk
  
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  

See? No fancy ingredients. Just basic stuff turned brilliant.

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How to Make It: Step-by-Step (aka Let’s Slaw)

This isn’t rocket science. But like any cult-favorite recipe, the little details matter.

Step 1: Chop Like a Boss

If you’re going the homemade route (good for you), finely chop the cabbage. And no, “close enough” doesn’t cut it. KFC’s slaw has that almost minced texture. Think “almost rice-sized bits.”

Same goes for the carrot. Use a grater or food processor, or channel your inner knife skills. Onion? Just a little, and it needs to disappear into the mix.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Dressing

Whisk together:

• Mayo
  
• Buttermilk
  
• Milk
  
• Sugar
  
• Vinegar
  
• Lemon juice
  
• Salt
  
• Pepper
  

Stir until smooth. Taste it. Now try not to lick the spoon. (Spoiler: you’ll fail.)

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Toss the chopped veggies into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and mix thoroughly—like really mix it. Every little piece needs some love.

Then? Cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. I know, the waiting hurts. But that chilling time lets the flavors party together. And trust me, cold coleslaw hits different.

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Pro Tips to Nail That KFC Vibe

Because close enough isn’t good enough, right?

✅ Use Fresh Ingredients

No limp cabbage or sad carrots allowed. Fresh = crunchy = 👌.

✅ Chop Finely

I’ll say it again for the people in the back—finely chopped veggies make or break this recipe.

✅ Chill Overnight

The longer it sits, the better it gets. Kinda like revenge or a really good chili.

✅ Don’t Overdo the Onion

It’s just there to add a whisper of flavor, not hijack the whole bowl.

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How Close Is This to the Real Deal?

Honestly? Shockingly close. Some people even say it’s better. (Yeah, I said it.) The key is in that sweet and tangy dressing—and getting the texture just right.

Ever ordered slaw from somewhere else and ended up with a soupy mess or cabbage sticks in ranch? Yikes. This recipe avoids all of that. It’s crisp, creamy, and downright addictive.

Pro tip: Want to convince your friends it’s the real KFC coleslaw? Serve it in a red-and-white checkered bowl. Boom. Instant nostalgia.

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Perfect Pairings: What to Serve It With

Let’s be honest. Coleslaw is amazing by itself (I’ve eaten it straight from the bowl while standing at the fridge… multiple times), but it shines brightest with the right company.

Here’s what to serve it with:

• Fried chicken (duh)
  
• Pulled pork sandwiches (slap that slaw right on top)
  
• BBQ ribs
  
• Grilled burgers or hot dogs
  
• Fish tacos (trust me on this one)
  
• Baked beans & cornbread = southern heaven
  

Or you know…just eat it out of the container with a fork at 11 PM. No shame.

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Can I Store It? Heck Yes.

This coleslaw isn’t just good right after mixing—it’s even better the next day. The flavors deepen and mellow out like a fine wine… made of cabbage.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container
  
• Good for 3–4 days
  
• Stir before serving to redistribute that creamy goodness
  

Heads up: Don’t freeze it. Mayo-based slaws turn watery and sad after freezing. And nobody likes sad slaw. 🙁

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Tweaks & Variations (If You Dare)

Purist? Stick with the classic. Feeling bold? Try these tweaks:

🧄 Add Garlic Powder

Just a pinch if you like a little bite.

🍯 Sub Honey for Sugar

Gives a slightly different sweetness.

🌶 Add a Dash of Hot Sauce

For those who like their slaw with a kick.

🥬 Use Red Cabbage

Want a prettier presentation? Mix in a little red cabbage. You rebel.

But hey—don’t mess with it too much. The OG KFC version is legendary for a reason.

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FAQs: Because You Were Gonna Ask Anyway

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Sure thing. Sub the mayo with vegan mayo, and use almond milk or oat milk + a splash of vinegar to replace buttermilk.

Q: Do I have to let it chill overnight?
No, but it’s so much better if you do. At least give it a few hours.

Q: What kind of vinegar should I use?
Stick with white vinegar for that classic KFC zing. Apple cider vinegar will give it a different flavor, still good—but different.

Q: Can I shred everything in a food processor?
Yep, just don’t over-process or you’ll end up with slaw soup. And nobody signed up for cabbage smoothie, okay?

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Final Thoughts: It’s Slaw Time 😎

Let’s be real—KFC coleslaw is iconic, and now you’ve got the recipe to make it at home whenever the craving hits (which, let’s be honest, is often).

It’s quick to prep, crazy delicious, and goes with just about anything you’ll ever cook on the grill, stove, or fryer. Plus, you get to skip the drive-thru line, which is the real win here.

So next time your inner Southern grandma whispers “make some coleslaw,” you know what to do. Grab that cabbage, whip up that dressing, and let the chill time work its magic.

Now go forth and slaw like a boss.