I�m one of those who doesn�t measure anything when I invent recipes, and each time I make it, it�s a little different depending on my mood and taste at the time. But I�ve mastered the trick to duplicate fast-food fried chicken coating.
Fresh chicken legs, wings, or other parts (leave skin on)
Flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground sage
Fine ground mustard (the powder)
Salt
Black pepper
Thyme (optional)
Saco buttermilk powder (optional)
Any other dried herb or seasoning you prefer
Approved frying oil (I prefer canola for consistent frying).
Prepare fryer. I use a deep fryer set on the poultry setting, but you could use an inch of oil in a large skillet, heat to about 360 degrees. Put flour in bowl (judge how much you�ll need to coat chicken). Add herbs and spices to taste. (I actually taste the flour mixture to judge the flavor�just ignore the raw flour taste!) Add water a little at a time and whisk until you have a smooth medium batter. The consistency should be thin enough to pour off a spoon easily, but not watery�about like the consistency of honey. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Coat chicken with batter (I dump several pieces in the bowl at once). Pick up each piece with tongs and let excess batter drip off (depending on how thick you want the coating). Fry until deep golden brown (like the Colonel's!). Wings take 10-15 minutes, legs take 15-20. Watch it until you find the timing in your own kitchen. If using a skillet, turn every 5 minutes or so. Remove from oil, blot lightly with paper towels. Let cool on paper towels.
Freezing and re-heating: Let cool completely, wrap each piece tightly in foil. This is very important; it keeps ice crystals from forming that make it soggy when heated. (I make huge batches and store individually wrapped pieces in a large freezer bag.) Kids want fried chicken? Two minutes from freezer to plate! Thaw/heat in microwave. 1 minute for a leg, 30 sec for a wing. If you want it crispy, put it under a broiler for a minute or so after microwaving. I use the �top brown� setting on my toaster oven.
No microwave? Bake in 400 degree oven until coating is crisp.