🍗 Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Ingredients:
For the Buttermilk Marinade:
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2 cups buttermilk
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1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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2–3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, wings)
For the Batter / Dredge:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
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1 tsp baking powder (for extra crunch)
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Optional: ¼ cup cornstarch (makes it extra light & crispy)
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or lard (enough for deep frying)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken (Highly Recommended):
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In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken pieces, making sure they’re coated.
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Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Make the Dredge (Batter Mix):
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In a separate large bowl or pan, mix all dredge ingredients: flour, seasonings, cornstarch (if using), and baking powder.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
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Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
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Dredge thoroughly in the flour mix. For extra crispy crust:
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Double-dip: Dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again in flour.
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Set dredged chicken on a rack and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating stick.
4. Fry:
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Heat oil in a deep cast-iron skillet or fryer to 325–350°F (165–175°C).
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Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Thighs/Drums: ~13–15 minutes
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Wings: ~8–10 minutes
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Breasts: ~12–14 minutes
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5. Drain & Serve:
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Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels — keeps it crispy).
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Tips for Extra-Crispy Southern Fried Chicken:
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Cornstarch + flour = lighter, crispier crust.
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Resting after dredging helps the crust bond better and not fall off.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers the oil temp.
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Season after frying if needed, with a pinch of salt.
Let me know if you want a spicy Nashville-style version, an oven-fried or air fryer version, too!