Step 1

In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.

Step 2

In separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.

Step 3

In dutch oven or cast-iron skillet, heat approximately 1" of oil to 350° Fahrenheit. Place wire cooling rack over thick layer of paper towels.

Step 4

One by one, dip each piece of chicken completely in buttermilk mixture, then dredge through flour mixture, fully coating all sides of chicken pieces.

Step 5

Place 3-4 pieces of chicken in hot oil, but don't overcrowd the dutch oven or skillet. Cook 15 minutes, turning chicken every 2 minutes, until breading is golden brown and chicken reaches internal temperature of 160-162° Fahrenheit.

Step 6

Use tongs to transfer fried chicken to wire cooling rack. Chicken will come to temperature as it rests. Repeat until all chicken pieces have been fried. Serve warm.