Best Southern Fried Chicken Batter

“`html

Best Southern Fried Chicken Batter

Fried chicken is one of those dishes that is simple in design but can easily fall apart in execution. It’s one of the top comfort foods but also tends to rattle most cooks. It is deceptively simple—tender, juicy inside, with a flavorful crispy crust. Two elements. What can go wrong? All kinds of things. Soggy, greasy crust, under or overcooked chicken, bland flavor, dried out texture—the list seems daunting. The fantasy of a beautiful mahogany brown piece of crispy Southern goodness flies out the window after a couple of failures, and a trip to the drive-through for a bucket of that white-suited guy’s stuff seems the best most of us can get. Except there are ways to address each of these problems when you have a little culinary magic at your disposal. Here’s how to make the magic happen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic taste of Southern fried chicken without all the fuss. It promises a crispy, flavorful crust paired with juicy, tender chicken inside. Easy to follow, with readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for any home cook looking to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking dish (13 x 8 x 2 inches)
• Cooking spray
• Medium bowl
• Two shallow bowls
• Oven

Ingredients

• 3 sprays cooking spray
• 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (four 4-oz pieces)
• 1/2 tsp table salt, divided, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, divided, or to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 oz low-fat buttermilk
• 1/2 cup cornflake crumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly coat a 13 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and cayenne pepper to taste, then set aside.
3. In a medium-size bowl, combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
4. Place the buttermilk and cornflake crumbs into two separate shallow bowls.
5. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
6. Next, dip the chicken into the buttermilk, turning to coat both sides thoroughly.
7. Finally, dredge the chicken in the cornflake crumbs, again turning to coat both sides.
8. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
9. Bake until the chicken is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 25 to 30 minutes. There is no need to flip the chicken during baking.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the chicken is evenly coated at each step to achieve the perfect crispy crust.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference for a more personalized flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflake crumbs. You can also experiment with different spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 220
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 5g
• WW SmartPoints: 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can, but it will require a longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

How can I make the chicken crispier?

For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour and cornflake dredging steps.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the baking step and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Conclusion

This Best Southern Fried Chicken Batter recipe is your ticket to delicious, crispy chicken that’s bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your experiences and any tweaks you made with us in the comments. Enjoy your meal!

“`