Crunchy Homestyle Southern Fried Chicken Batter Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken (legs, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 2 tsps onion powder
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
• Vegetable oil (peanut oil or canola oil work well)