1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- In a large shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well. Shake off excess flour. For extra crunch, you can dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again.
4. Heat the Oil:
- Fill a deep fryer or large, heavy pot with enough oil to deep fry the chicken pieces (at least 3 inches). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully lower a few chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes for larger pieces and 10-12 minutes for smaller pieces. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep the chicken crispy. Avoid draining on paper towels, which can make the crust soggy.
6. Serve:
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- Serve your crispy fried chicken hot and enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Tips:
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in both the marinade and the breading to suit your taste.
- Resting: Allow the breaded chicken to sit for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating to adhere better during frying.
- Safety: Keep a lid or splatter guard nearby when frying to protect against oil splatters.m
Enjoy your homemade fried chicken, a classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser!