Church's Chicken Spicy Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat recipe captures the bold, spicy flavors of Church's Chicken's famous fried chicken. Each piece is marinated to perfection, coated in a crispy, seasoned batter, and fried until golden brown. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic Southern comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
4. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.