First of all make sure the chicken pieces are dry, coat them with flour (I like to use Wondra instantized flour) or cornstarch and shake off any excess. Then dip them in beaten egg or buttermilk, or a combination of the two, and finally coat them with bread crumbs, panko, cornmeal, or cereal crumbs. Pat them firmly and set them aside at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes for the layers to bond. Heat the oil or fat until hot before adding the chicken and don’t try to turn the chicken until the bottom is the shade of golden you want. Gently loosen the pieces with a wide spatula and transfer them to a plate. Heat more oil or fat in the pan until hot and add the chicken pieces, uncooked side down; cook over medium-low heat without turning until brown on the other side and fully cooked inside.