Ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil, in batches, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes for breast pieces and 10-12 minutes for legs and wings.
6. Drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious homemade fried chicken!