🍗 Southern Fried Chicken Batter – Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor!

There’s nothing quite like the crunch of real Southern fried chicken. This batter gives you that perfect, golden shell — flavorful, flaky, and crisp — while locking in the juiciest chicken you’ve ever had. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, and now, it’s all yours. 🧡

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings – your call)
2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness!)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For Frying:

Oil for deep frying (like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate chicken in buttermilk + hot sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. This tenderizes and infuses flavor.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, mix all dry batter ingredients (flour, cornstarch, and spices).

3️⃣ Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off) and coat each piece in the flour mixture. Press the coating in firmly to ensure a thick, crispy crust.

4️⃣ Let the battered chicken rest on a rack for 10–15 minutes while you heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). This helps the crust set before frying.

5️⃣ Fry in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for about 12–15 minutes, depending on piece size. Turn occasionally for even browning. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).

6️⃣ Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to keep the crust crisp.

💡 Tips for That Perfect Southern Crunch

Want it extra crispy? Double-dip: buttermilk → flour → buttermilk → flour again.
For even more flavor, add a bit of chicken bouillon powder or ranch seasoning to your flour mix.
Fry in cast iron for that old-school Southern touch!

🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Crispy outside, juicy inside
✔️ Classic Southern spices in every bite
✔️ Works for fried tenders, wings, or boneless too
✔️ So good, it might just become your signature dish 💁‍♀️