Crispy Cajun Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

• Place the chicken pieces in buttermilk; soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even more tenderness.
• Combine flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.
• Heat the oil in a large pot to 350°F.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture so that each piece is well coated with the mixture.
• Fry, in batches, for 10-12 minutes on either side until golden and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

The buttermilk marinade makes this chicken so tender that it will fall off the bone, and the Cajun spices in the flour result in the perfect crispy, flavorful crust. This calls for mashed potatoes and gravy, the quintessential Southern feed.