Best Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 chicken drumsticks (or mixed chicken pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is best).
2. Prepare the flour mixture
   In another bowl combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Coat the chicken
   Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour. Press flour onto the chicken well for a thick coating.
4. Rest the chicken
   Let coated chicken sit 10–15 minutes so the coating sticks.
5. Heat oil
   Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the chicken
   Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain & serve
   Place on a rack or paper towels. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

• Add 2 tbsp cornstarch to the flour mixture.
• Double-dip: flour → buttermilk → flour again.
• Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady.