Creating amazing fried chicken requires a few tips and careful steps to ensure you achieve a crispy crust and juicy meat. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
5. Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 10-15 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Drain: After cooking, transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This helps maintain its crispiness.
8. Serve: Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure juices settle.

Following these instructions closely ensures your fried chicken will turn out crispy and delicious.