Here’s a classic fried chicken recipe that results in crispy, flavorful chicken:
### Ingredients
**For the chicken:**
– 4 lbs. chicken pieces (a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
– 2 cups buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
**For the coating:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
**For frying:**
– Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough to fill your frying pot about halfway)
### Instructions
1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
– In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
– Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. **Prepare the Coating:**
– In another large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and baking powder.
3. **Coat the Chicken:**
– Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
– Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
4. **Heat the Oil:**
– In a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. **Fry the Chicken:**
– Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
– Fry the chicken for about 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for dark meat and 160°F (71°C) for white meat.
– Use a thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
6. **Drain and Serve:**
– Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
– Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade fried chicken! Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
