Absolute Best Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients
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 
1/4 teaspoon paprika 
1 cup vegetable oil 

Directions 
1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels before serving