Ready to cook up some comfort? Follow these steps to create the perfect fried chicken:
Step 1: Soak the Chicken
Prepare the buttermilk bath: In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in 2 cups of buttermilk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the buttermilk to work its magic, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with flavor.
Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Season the chicken: When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper.
Prepare the seasoned flour: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix it well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Dredge the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour, but make sure there’s enough to create that crispy crust.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach around 350°F (use a thermometer to be sure). Proper oil temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
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