Baked or Fried Chicken

**Ingredients:**

– 4 chicken drumsticks
– 4 chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Cooking oil for frying (if frying)
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate the Chicken:** Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. **Prepare the Coating:** In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. **Coat the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. **Bake or Fry:**
– **For Baking:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
– **For Frying:** Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.