Southern Buttermilk Marinade for Fried Chicken

Backstory: This recipe has been passed down through generations. The tanginess of the buttermilk combined with flavorful spices ensures juicy and flavorful chicken, perfect for frying.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast
• 250ml buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 100g all-purpose flour, for coating
• Additional salt and pepper, to season the coating

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
2. Place the chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish large enough to hold the chicken and the marinade.
3. Pour the buttermilk marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
4. After marinating, remove the chicken breast from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
5. In a deep pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 175°C/350°F.
6. While the oil is heating, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, additional salt, and pepper.
7. Coat the marinated chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres to the chicken.
8. Carefully place the coated chicken breast into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F.
9. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken breast to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
10. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper while still hot.
11. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy and flavorful Southern-style fried chicken breast!

Flavor Profile: The buttermilk marinade adds tanginess and tenderness to the chicken, while the combination of spices gives it a delicious kick. The exterior is crispy and golden, while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful. It's a classic Southern dish with a British twist. Enjoy!