Introduction
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken – who doesn’t love this traditional recipe? It’s a dish that evokes feelings of comfort and satisfyingly delicious family dinners. The secret to getting that light, airy crunch and juicy interior is all in the batter. This recipe for Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Batter will help you whip up a batch of the most tantalising fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. It’s simple, straightforward, and guarantees crowd-pleasing results every time.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Southern Fried Chicken Batter offers control over the ingredients, so you can cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. Plus, there is nothing like the taste of homemade food, especially when you can achieve that delectable combination of a crispy exterior and tender chicken inside. The quick preparation time is another reason why this recipe is a winning choice for many.
How to Make Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
– 2 large eggs
Directions:
1. Combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk with eggs until smooth.
3. Get your chicken pieces and dip each one into the wet mixture first.
4. After this, dredge the chicken through the dry mixture making sure it is thoroughly coated.
5. Wish to pack in more crunch? Repeat the process by dipping the coated chicken back into the wet mix, then the dry mix again.
6. Now, fry the chicken in hot oil till it reaches a golden brown colour and is cooked all the way through.
How to Serve Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Serve your Crispy Southern Fried Chicken hot, right out of the fryer. This way, your guests can fully experience the amazing crunch of the batter coating. Complement it with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or sweet corn. Don’t forget the dipping sauces – BBQ, honey mustard, or even hot sauce!
How to Store Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Store cooled, leftover fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet in the oven at 300°F until hot. This keeps it crisp and prevents it from drying out, unlike microwaving.
Tips to Make Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Batter
1. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too cool and your chicken will soak up too much oil; too hot and it will burn.
2. Do not overcrowd the fryer as it will drop the temperature of the oil, affecting the crispiness of your chicken.
3. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken parts will make your fried chicken more flavorful.
4. You might consider a double dip in your batter for extra crunch.
Variation (if any)
You can switch up the spices in the batter according to your taste preference. Add herbs like dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary, or try an extra spicy version with a hit of cayenne pepper.
FAQs
– Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, but it may not be as crispy. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
– Can I use this batter for other meats?
Yes, this batter can be used for other meats such as pork or fish.
– Is there a dairy-free option for this batter?
Yes. You can substitute the buttermilk for a plant-based milk or water.