Spicy Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken

Step 1

Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl or a deep baking pan, pour buttermilk over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate, turning at least once, for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Step 2

Combine flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a gallon size freezer bag. Steal the bag tightly and mix well. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cayenne pepper sauce, and water.

Step 3

Working a few pieces at a time, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Place the chicken in the bag, steal tightly, and shake well. Remove chicken pieces from the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip in cayenne pepper mixture, then back in the flour, shake again. Place on a large plate. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (to keep chicken warm while frying remaining pieces). Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot like a cast-iron pot, over medium high heat to 350 degrees. Fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time without overcrowding, turning carefully several times, until golden brown and 165 degrees F. Remove to a large platter lined with paper towel to drain, then keep warm in the preheated oven until all the chicken is done.