crispy fried chicken

Crispy fried chicken is a classic dish that features juicy chicken coated in a seasoned, crispy breading. Here's a simple recipe for making crispy fried chicken:

### Ingredients:

- **Chicken:** 4-6 chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings)

- **Buttermilk:** 1 cup (or plain yogurt as a substitute)

- **Salt and pepper:** To taste

- **Seasoned flour:** 

  - All-purpose flour: 2 cups

  - Paprika: 1 teaspoon

  - Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon

  - Onion powder: 1 teaspoon

  - Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to your spice preference)

  - Salt and black pepper: To taste

- **Eggs:** 2, beaten

- **Panko breadcrumbs:** 2 cups (or any other breadcrumbs for the breading)

- **Cooking oil:** For frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil)

### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the chicken:**

   - In a bowl, combine buttermilk and a pinch of salt and pepper.

   - Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged.

   - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) for the chicken to absorb the flavors and become more tender.

2. **Prepare the coating:**

   - In a shallow dish, mix the seasoned flour ingredients together (all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper).

   - In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.

   - In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

3. **Coat the chicken:**

   - Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off.

   - Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, coating them evenly.

   - Dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off.

   - Roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a good coating.

4. **Fry the chicken:**

   - Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

   - Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.

   - Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

   - Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. **Serve:**

   - Let the chicken cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

   - Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, side dishes, or salads.

Enjoy your crispy fried chicken! Adjust the seasoning and spices in the breading to suit your taste.