Begin by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk. This step not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a subtle tang. After a few hours, remove the chicken and shake off the excess buttermilk to prep it for coating.
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Take each chicken piece and dredge it generously in the mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated for maximum crunch!
Pour your oil into a skillet or fryer and heat to about 350°F (175°C). Be patient during this step! Use an oil thermometer to keep the temperature steady. Once the oil is ready, you're set to fry.
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Remember, don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry each piece until golden brown and crisp, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After frying, transfer the chicken to a wire rack. This allows excess oil to drip off and keeps the crust beautifully crispy without getting soggy.