Southern Fried Chicken Batter

         Fried Chicken is a force to be reckoned with in the Southern states. It must be fried, it must be good and it must be crispy! If you are missing even one of those, then it is not Southern Style Fried Chicken.

I swear everyone has their own way of making their crispy chicken, so it is hard to nail just one recipe. This one is the one that I have tested on my family and friends that used to live in the south. It passed with flying colors.

            There are some things that must never be changed in this recipe. One of those is Buttermilk. The chicken needs the buttermilk to enable it to remain moist and juicy. The buttermilk also provides an immense amount of flavor for the chicken also. I will be honest with you all. This recipe took me many attempts to get it right. My family has decided that this chicken is even better than the big name chicken.

            The chicken can be served with your choice of sides. This is the perfect chicken to have cold for a picnic also.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I substitute the Buttermilk?

No, for this recipe, even using milk and vinegar will not be the same. The buttermilk gives the authentic flavor.

            Which cut of chicken is the best to use?

With this recipe, all the cuts are perfect! Your chicken does not have to be boneless or skinless, unless you choose it that way.

            Can I use vegetable oil?

All oils will greatly change the flavor of the coating. For this reason, I suggest peanut oil as the one that will have less effect in flavor. Canola could also be used.

            How do I store the chicken?

Once the chicken is completely cooled down, wrap it with plastic wrap or place into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap in two layers of plastic wrap, then one layer of aluminum foil. The chicken can remain in the freezer for 6 months.

What do you need to make Southern Fried Chicken Batter

            2 cups of all purpose flour

            2 tsp black pepper

`           2 tsp paprika

            4 tsp garlic salt

            ½ tsp poultry seasoning mix

            1 cup of buttermilk

            2 eggs, beaten

How to make Southern Fried Chicken Batter

FIRST STEP:

In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs with the buttermilk

a)

b)

In another bowl, combine the flour, poultry seasoning, garlic salt, paprika  and black pepper, then place into a large ziploc bag

a)

b)

c)

SECOND STEP:

Place the chicken pieces into the bag and shake the bag to coat all the pieces

a)

b)

Remove the chicken and dip each piece into the egg mixture

a)

b)

THIRD STEP:

Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture one more time, shaking off excess.

FOURTH STEP:

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed skillet to 375*

Brown the chicken on each side and then reduce the heat of the pan.

a)

b)

c)

Allow the chicken to continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on size.

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b)

FIFTH STEP:

The internal temp of the chicken should reach 165* before serving.

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b)

Drain on paper towels and then serve.

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b)

Enjoy!

YUM!