Discover 'Crispy Southern Bliss': a fried chicken batter recipe featuring buttermilk, paprika, and garlic powder for the perfect crunch and rich Southern flavor.
Crispy Southern Bliss: The Ultimate Fried Chicken Batter Recipe
When it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the heavenly delight that is Southern fried chicken. With its irresistibly crispy crust and juicy, flavorful interior, it’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, picnics in the park, and warm evenings on the porch. But what truly sets apart great fried chicken is the batter — the secret weapon that ensures every bite is an explosion of taste and texture. Today, I’m sharing with you the ultimate fried chicken batter recipe that promises to deliver that crispy Southern bliss you’ve been craving.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 pounds of chicken (mixed drumsticks, thighs, and wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for added kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse and pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the seasoned chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy, flavorful coating.
Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not pat the chicken dry, as a bit of moisture helps the batter adhere.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes to allow the coating to set.
Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough oil to reach about halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small pinch of the flour mixture into the oil — it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 15–18 minutes for larger pieces and 10–12 minutes for smaller ones.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This will keep the chicken crispy while frying the remaining batches.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once all the chicken is fried, allow it to cool slightly, as it will be extremely hot. Serve your perfectly crispy Southern fried chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a truly blissful meal.
Conclusion
With this ultimate fried chicken batter recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable dish that’s sure to become a staple at your dining table. Each element of the recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that signature Southern crunch and flavor. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the crispy Southern bliss of homemade fried chicken that’s bursting with deliciousness in every bite. Happy cooking!