🍗 Southern Fried Chicken

🍗 Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3 lbs), cut into 8 pieces

• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:

   • Place chicken pieces in a bowl, pour over the buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

2. Prepare the coating:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

3. Coat the chicken:

   • Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.

   • Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well. Place on a wire rack for 10 minutes (helps the coating stick).

4. Fry the chicken:

   • Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 175°C (350°F).

   • Fry chicken in batches, 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

   • Place fried chicken on a wire rack to stay crispy (not paper towels, which make it soggy).

5. Serve hot:

   • Enjoy with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for the ultimate Southern meal.

👉 Crispy outside, juicy inside – pure comfort food!