fried chicken maven,

Here’s a delicious fried chicken recipe for you:

Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 4 pounds of chicken (legs, thighs, breasts, or a mix)
• Marinade:
  • 2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Coating:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
• For frying:
  • Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack or plate.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of flour into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your crispy fried chicken!