🍗 Southern Fried Chicken (Crispy Buttermilk Batter)

📝 Ingredients

🍗 Chicken

• 2–3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, breasts)

🥛 Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

🌾 Seasoned Flour Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

🛢 For Frying

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate

1. Mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

2️⃣ Prepare Batter

1. Mix flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings in a bowl.

2. Remove chicken from buttermilk (don’t wipe it off).

3. Dredge in flour mixture.

4. Press flour firmly onto chicken.

5. For extra crunch: dip back into buttermilk → then flour again.

Let coated chicken rest 10–15 minutes before frying (helps crust stick).

3️⃣ Fry

1. Heat oil to 325–350°F (165–175°C).

2. Fry in batches (don’t overcrowd).

3. Cook 12–15 minutes (until internal temp is 165°F / 75°C).

4. Drain on wire rack (not paper towels).

🔥 Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• Add 1 tbsp baking powder to flour (makes lighter crust).

• Drizzle 1–2 tbsp buttermilk into flour mixture and mix (creates crunchy flakes).

• Maintain oil temperature — too low = greasy, too high = burnt outside/raw inside.

• Let chicken rest after coating.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I skip buttermilk?

You can substitute:

• 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp vinegar (let sit 5 min)

Q2: Why is my coating falling off?

• Oil too cold

• Didn’t let chicken rest before frying

• Turning chicken too early

Q3: Can I bake instead?

Yes, but texture differs. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–45 minutes. Spray with oil for crispiness.

Q4: Best oil to use?

Peanut oil (best flavor), vegetable oil, or canola oil.

Q5: How do I keep it crispy?

Place on wire rack in warm oven (200°F / 95°C) while finishing batches.