1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, place the chicken pieces and pour buttermilk over them. Ensure that the chicken is fully submerged. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate large, shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the coating for the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
- Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This typically takes about 12-15 minutes per side, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Southern Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Southern Fried Chicken!