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Close-up of crunchy fried chicken pieces showing textured coating.

Southern Fried Chicken Batter

Crispy fried chicken made with seasoned flour, milk, eggs, soy sauce, and a double-coating method for a golden, flavorful crust.
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Course: Dinner, Main dish
Cuisine: Southern American
Keyword: Southern Fried Chicken Batter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 c all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 c milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

  • Place the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag.
  • Seal the bag and shake until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

  • Add the chicken pieces to the bag with the seasoned flour.
  • Seal the bag and shake until each piece of chicken is fully coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and soy sauce until fully combined.

Step 4: Dip the Chicken

  • Remove each piece of chicken from the flour mixture.
  • Dip the chicken into the milk and egg mixture, coating it evenly.
  • Allow any excess liquid to drip off.

Step 5: Apply the Second Coating

  • Return the dipped chicken pieces to the bag with the seasoned flour.
  • Seal the bag and shake again until the chicken is fully coated.
  • Press the flour mixture lightly onto the chicken if needed to help the coating adhere.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

  • Pour a few inches of oil into a deep-sided skillet.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F.

Step 7: Fry the Chicken

  • Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
  • Fry the chicken evenly on both sides until golden brown and crisp.
  • Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

  • Continue frying until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 9: Drain the Chicken

  • Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Allow the chicken to drain briefly before serving.

Step 10: Serve

  • Serve warm with preferred side dishes.

Notes

To make this Southern Fried Chicken Batter gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or gluten-free rice flour. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, since many soy sauces contain wheat. Confirm that the garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, milk, eggs, chicken, and frying oil are gluten-free and free from cross-contact. Use clean bowls, utensils, tongs, measuring tools, and a dedicated frying area to prevent gluten contamination.