🍗 Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

Golden, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, this homemade fried chicken is packed with delicious flavor and perfect for a family dinner or weekend treat!IngredientsFor the Chicken2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)2 cups buttermilk1 large egg1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon onion powderFor the Crispy Coating2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup cornstarch1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optionalFor FryingVegetable oil, enough for deep fryingInstructionsMarinate the chicken:In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.Prepare the coating:In another large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.Coat the chicken:Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and let the excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing the coating onto the chicken for an extra-crispy crust.Heat the oil:Heat the vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a deep, heavy pot. Don’t overcrowd the pot.Fry the chicken:Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry in batches until deeply golden and cooked through. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the pieces.Drain:Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet so the excess oil can drain while keeping the crust crispy.Serve:Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, coleslaw, fries, or mashed potatoes.🔥 Pro TipFor an extra-crispy coating, drizzle a little of the buttermilk mixture into the seasoned flour and gently rub it together before coating the chicken. This creates little crunchy flakes in the crust.Enjoy your homemade Extra Crispy Fried Chicken! 🍗🔥