🔄 Directions:
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Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl — flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings.
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Whisk in the liquid (cold water or buttermilk). Add slowly until the batter is thick enough to coat the chicken, but not overly runny.
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If desired, beat in the egg to add richness and help the coating stick better.
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Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
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Carefully lower the chicken into hot oil (around 350°F / 175°C) and fry until golden brown and crispy (usually 12-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces).
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Let the chicken rest on a wire rack to drain — not paper towels, which can trap steam and soften the crust.
🔥 Pro Tips for Next-Level Crispiness
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Double Dip Method: For an extra crunchy crust, dip the chicken in the batter, let it drip, then coat it in dry flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper before frying.
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Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes before using. This allows the flour and cornstarch to hydrate fully, giving you a better texture.
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Cold batter, hot oil: Always keep the batter cold and the oil hot. The temperature contrast is key to creating those irresistible craggy, crispy edges.
🍽 Why This Batter Works
The combination of flour and cornstarch gives the coating both body and crackle. The baking powder adds lift, making the crust light rather than doughy. And the mix of spices means every bite is packed with flavor, not just the first one.
This recipe is incredibly versatile — use it for bone-in thighs and drumsticks, boneless tenders, or even wings. It holds up beautifully for leftovers too (if you manage to have any!).
👩‍🍳 Bring the Crunch Home
Fried chicken is more than a meal — it’s a comfort food classic that unites generations and brings joy to the table. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a summer picnic, or a cozy weekend treat, this crispy batter mix guarantees your fried chicken will be the talk of the table.
So heat up that oil, grab your favorite cuts of chicken, and get ready to create the kind of crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Have your own twist on the perfect fried chicken batter? Share it with us! Nothing brings people together like good food and even better stories.
