 To prepare the chicken pieces for frying , they may be coated in a batter of flour and liquid ( and seasonings ) mixed together . The batter can contain ingredients like eggs , milk , and leavening . Alternatively , they may be dredged in flour or a similar dry substance , to coat the meat and to develop a crust . Seasonings such as salt , pepper , cayenne pepper , paprika , garlic powder , onion powder , or ranch dressing mix can be mixed in with the flour . Either process may be preceded by marination or by dipping in milk or buttermilk . As the pieces of chicken cook , some of the moisture that exudes from the chicken is absorbed by the coating of flour and browns along with the flour , creating a flavorful crust . According to Nathan Bailey 's 1736 cookbook , Dictionarium Domesticum , for example , the chicken can be covered in a marinade that consists of the juice of two large fresh lemons , malt vinegar , bay leaves , salt , pepper , ground cloves , and green onions ; it then must be settled in the marinade for three hours before being dipped in the batter that consists of all @-@ purpose flour , white wine , three egg yolks and salt , and then slowly submerged in a deep pot of either oil , lard , or clarified butter over an open fire . It can then be topped with fresh , dried parsley dipped in the same frying oil . 
