Primary Categories: [[01 - Recipes]]
Secondary Categories: [[02 - Entrees]]
Tags and Links: #recipe #chicken #southern
## Ingredients
#### Cajun Marinade
- 1 cup [[Buttermilk]]
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
#### For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### For Frying:
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)
## Directions
1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
- In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they're completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
2. **Prepare the Coating:**
- In a large shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, paprika, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Coat the Chicken:**
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess flour. Let the coated chicken sit on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to set the crust.
4. **Fry the Chicken:**
- Fill a large skillet about 1/3 full with frying oil. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean wire rack set over a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serve:**
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This Cajun-style fried chicken can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.