Fried Chicken..A journey

[Auntbeast]

Disclaimer: I am Southern.

I've tried frying things over the years and have never been successful. The crispy crust isn't, or it falls off, or it just sucks.

Until last night. I finally gave up the whole roll in egg, roll in flour, fry routine. I made a batter. I mixed up some flour, beer, salt, pepper, water and a little tarragon. I had a pot with some oil and used my candy thermometer to test the temp.

Unfuckingbelievablely good. It was so nice and crispy, it adhered to the chicken, the chicken was good, the crust was done. It tasted yummy. It even stayed crispy!

So, here I stand, about 100 failures with the dip & roll method. One raging success with the batter method.

WHY? I mean, it seems everyone else can be successful with D&R. What is the difference? Why did this turn out for me when all other attempts with the other method fail?

I have to ask here. If I ask my Southern friends, they will ship me north and disown me.