Southern Fried Chicken Batter!

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken Batter:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (for flavor and tenderizing)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for an extra kick)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for crispiness and light texture)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch and lightness)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (adds a savory depth)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder (adds flavor)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (for color and smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adds heat, optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for balance)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra fluffiness in the batter)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for an herbal note)
• 1 cup cold water (or club soda for extra crispiness)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken Batter:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken for the Southern fried chicken batter. This step ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. The acid in the buttermilk helps break down proteins, resulting in juicier, more flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Southern Fried Chicken Batter

Now, let’s create the golden, crispy batter that gives Southern fried chicken its signature crunch:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, black pepper, and dried thyme (if using). These ingredients combine to create the seasoned coating that gives your fried chicken flavor and texture.
2. Add Baking Powder: Incorporating baking powder into the batter helps it puff up while frying, creating a light and airy texture on the outside. This is key to the perfect Southern fried chicken crust.
3. Add Cold Liquid: Slowly add cold water (or club soda) to the dry ingredients, stirring as you pour. The batter should be thick but slightly pourable. You want it to coat the back of a spoon and drip off slowly. If the batter is too thin, it won’t stick to the chicken properly, and if it’s too thick, the crust will be heavy. Adjust the liquid as needed to get the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it in the batter:

1. Prep for Coating: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and shake off any excess marinade. This will help the batter stick to the chicken better.
2. Coat in the Batter: Dip each chicken piece into the prepared batter, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter before frying. A thick, even layer of batter is key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
3. Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier texture, you can double-dip your chicken. First, coat it in the batter, then dip it into the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to make sure it sticks well. Repeat with each piece of chicken.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Now, it’s time to fry your Southern fried chicken to perfection:

1. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to fully submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature; too low, and the batter won’t get crispy, too high, and the chicken will burn before cooking through.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the battered chicken into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the meat inside is juicy and fully cooked (check the internal temperature—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C)).
3. Drain the Chicken: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the batter to firm up.

Tips for Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

• Use Cold Liquid: Cold water (or club soda) in the batter helps the chicken crisp up when fried. This keeps the batter from absorbing too much oil and ensures a light, crunchy texture.
• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For the crispiest chicken, dip the chicken in the batter, then coat it with the seasoned flour. Repeat this process for an extra crunchy layer.
• Frying Temperature: Maintaining the right frying temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A thermometer is the best way to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C).
• Marinate Overnight: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight in the buttermilk mixture. This will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
• Resting the Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and give the batter time to set.

Serving Your Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is often served with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or green beans. It’s the perfect dish for a family gathering, BBQ, or Sunday dinner.

Conclusion

The perfect Southern fried chicken batter involves a combination of seasonings, the right texture, and careful frying. By following this recipe and incorporating a few tips for crispy success, you’ll be able to recreate a comforting, golden, and crispy Southern fried chicken at home.

The beauty of Southern fried chicken lies in its simplicity—once you get the batter just right, the result is always incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken that will impress your family and friends.