Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the spices infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spicy flour mixture will create the crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- Let It Rest: Place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Cook Thoroughly: Fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thicker pieces may take longer.
- Drain: Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This helps keep the chicken crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Spicy Southern Fried Chicken hot, with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Southern Fried Chicken
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture overnight.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside is cooked; too cool, and the chicken absorbs too much oil, becoming greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent, resulting in a crispier coating.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Enjoy the process of making this delicious Spicy Southern Fried Chicken, and delight in the bold flavors and crispy texture that make this dish a crowd-pleaser.