Southern fried chicken is known for its crispy, flavorful batter. Here’s a classic recipe for a Southern-style fried chicken batter that will give you that delicious crunch and flavor:
Southern Fried Chicken Batter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings, etc.)
Instructions:
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and baking powder (if using).
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Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
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Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour.
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Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
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Drain and Rest:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve:
- Enjoy your Southern fried chicken hot, with your favorite sides like coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double-dip the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before frying.
- Make sure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy chicken or undercooked pieces.
Enjoy your delicious Southern fried chicken!