Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken

Step 1
Place chicken thighs and drumsticks in a bowl and pour enough buttermilk over chicken to cover. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Step 2
Combine flour, cornmeal, salt, granulated onion, granulated garlic, thyme, paprika, monosodium glutamate, baking powder, and cayenne pepper in a large, wide bowl.

Step 3
Remove chicken from buttermilk and shake off excess; discard buttermilk. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Dip chicken in beaten egg whites, then press in flour mixture to coat. Allow coated chicken to rest on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4
Meanwhile, fill a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to about 1/3 full of oil and heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).

Step 5
Fry chicken in hot oil in batches until golden brown, no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of chicken near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined tray to drain. Keep fried chicken warm in the preheated oven while frying remaining pieces.