Crispy Fried Chicken

1 . Stage

Take your cut up chicken pieces and skin them if you prefer.

2 . Stage

Put the flour in a large plastic bag (let the amount of chicken you are cooking dictate the amount of flour you use). Season the flour with paprika, salt and pepper to taste (paprika helps to brown the chicken). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk then, a few at a time, put them in the bag with the flour, seal the bag and shake to coat well. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray, and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper. LET SIT UNTIL THE FLOUR IS OF A PASTE-LIKE CONSISTENCY. THIS IS CRUCIAL! Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Fill a large skillet (cast iron is best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat until VERY hot.

6 . Stage

Put in as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold. Brown the chicken in HOT oil on both sides. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

When browned, reduce heat and cover skillet; let cook for 30 minutes (the chicken will be cooked through but not crispy). Remove cover, raise heat again, and continue to fry until crispy.

8 . Stage

Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. Depending on how much chicken you have, you may have to fry in a few shifts. Keep the finished chicken in a slightly warm oven while preparing the rest. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS