Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp cornstarch (key for extra crispiness)
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1½ tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Wet Dip (for dredging)
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
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Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
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Prep Chicken
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Pat chicken pieces dry.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Mix Batter
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all seasonings.
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Wet Dip
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In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using).
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Dredge
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Dip chicken into wet mixture.
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Coat thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing it on for craggy texture.
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For extra crunch, dip again in wet mixture, then flour again.
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Rest
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Let coated chicken rest on a rack 10–15 minutes before frying (helps batter stick).
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Fry
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Fry in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) until golden and cooked through.
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Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
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Tips for Best Southern Fried Chicken
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Cornstarch = crunch (don’t skip it).
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—keeps the crust crispy.
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Use bone-in chicken for juicier results.
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Season immediately after frying with a light sprinkle of salt.
If you want, I can also give you a spicy Nashville-style, oven-baked, or air fryer version 🍗