Classic KFC Style Coleslaw (Easy Copycat Recipe)

If you love that classic KFC-style coleslaw, you know, the creamy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy kind that went perfectly with that “finger lickin’ good” chicken and its eleven herbs and spices, then this KFC Style Coleslaw copycat recipe is for you.

It’s easy to make at home and hits that same nostalgic flavor.

We love it as a summer side with grilled hamburgers or piled onto a sandwich with my Oven Cooked Pulled Pork. It’s one of those simple sides that just works with everything.

This KFC style Coleslaw is shown in a white bowl. You are seeing it from the side. The background is blurry.

KFC Style Coleslaw (Copycat Recipe)

KFC’s coleslaw is chopped very fine, almost minced. I usually chop mine by hand, because I’m an odd duck who thinks that chopping is kind of therapeutic! Not only that, but I actually prefer the little bit of extra texture.

If you want it closer to the restaurant version, you might want to pulse your cabbage and carrots in a food processor until finely chopped.

Close up of some chopped cabbage on a cutting board with a knife.

Ingredients

Slaw:
  • 8 to 9 cups green cabbage, finely chopped (this is one small head of cabbage or part of a larger one)
  • ½ cup finely chopped carrot
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (The buttermilk is important! This is where the KFC dressing gets its tangy flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
A photo of ingredients for KFC style Coleslaw (Copycat Recipe). The ingredients are labeled and are shown from above.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables
    Finely chop the cabbage, the carrot, and the onion. You can do this by hand or use a food processor. Add everything to a large bowl and toss to combine.
  2. Make the dressing
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Combine
    Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir well, making sure everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 – 4 hours. This lets the flavors fully come together.
  5. Serve
    Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
A shot of cabbage, carrot, and onion chopped small and shown from above. This is in preparation for the KFC style coleslaw copycat recipe.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Don’t skip the buttermilk – it’s the secret to that subtle tang that makes this coleslaw taste like the real thing.
  • I use a little less sugar than most copycat recipes. It still tastes just like I remember KFC, but feel free to adjust and add a bit more after a quick taste test.
  • This slaw is perfect alongside fried chicken, pulled pork, or tucked into sandwiches.
A bowl of coleslaw.

I hope that you enjoy this KFC style coleslaw. It is so easy to put together and tangy!