Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Wash and pat the chicken pieces dry. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the buttermilk to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

In a shallow dish or a large resealable bag, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not rinse. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating stick during frying.

Pour the vegetable or peanut oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it is at least 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for crispy fried chicken.

Carefully lower 3-4 pieces of chicken into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed to keep the oil temperature consistent.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season immediately with a sprinkle of extra salt if desired. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.