Southern Fried Chicken Batter Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breast)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Oil for deep frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken – Wash and pat dry chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make Batter – In a bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
  3. Seasoned Flour – In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat Chicken – Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back again into the flour for a double coating. Shake off excess.
  5. Heat Oil – Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or pot to submerge chicken. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry Chicken – Carefully add chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Turn occasionally.
  7. Drain & Serve – Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Enjoy – Serve hot with coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.

Would you like me to make this a crispy KFC-style batter (extra crunchy) or keep it classic Southern style?

Leave a Comment