Spicy Southern Fried Chicken

Spicy Southern Fried Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish, packed with a perfect balance of heat and seasoning. Here’s a recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 4-6 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For the Seasoned Flour:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
   • Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully submerged in the marinade.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
   • In a shallow dish or large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
   • Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
   • Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat each piece evenly.
   • Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate while you heat the oil.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain and Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture again after the first coat.
• Serve your spicy Southern fried chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy your deliciously spicy and crispy Southern fried chicken!