Southern Fried Chicken

– Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated.
4. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating