Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces) or 8 drumsticks/thighs

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.

   • In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).

2. Season the Flour:

   • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.

   • Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure a good coating. Shake off the excess flour and set the chicken aside on a wire rack.

4. Heat the Oil:

   • In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

5. Fry the Chicken:

   • Carefully place a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan).

   • Fry for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Rest:

   • Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Avoid paper towels, as they can make the chicken soggy.

7. Serve:

   • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw.