Best Southern Fried Chicken

One 3 1/2-pound chicken, cut into eighths

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 cup vegetable oil

Rinse the chicken and pat dry. In a small bowl, combine the salt, 1 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the garlic powder. Sprinkle over the chicken. Let stand at least 20 minutes — or, even better, overnight — in the refrigerator.

Place the flour, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika into a plastic bag. Add the seasoned chicken and shake until each piece is covered with flour.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat until it bubbles when a little flour is sprinkled in. Add the chicken pieces and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned on the bottom. Turn and cook on the other side for 7 to 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels before serving.