Southern Fried Chicken Batter

Southern Fried Chicken Batter 🍗

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 2–3 lbs (900–1350 g) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

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Instructions

1. Season chicken:
   Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare batter:
   In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
   In another bowl, pour buttermilk.
3. Coat chicken:
   Dip each piece of chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
   For extra crispy chicken, double-dip: back into buttermilk, then flour again.
4. Heat oil:
   Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken:
   Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes (breasts) or 10–12 minutes (thighs/drumsticks), turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
   Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve:
   Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.