Buttermilk Fried Chicken Is Irresistible
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces soaked in tangy buttermilk, then coated with a crispy seasoned flour crust. This recipe delivers a flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitution)
Chicken and Marinade
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 3-4 lbs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: splash of hot sauce
Seasoned Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 4 cups)
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine buttermilk with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a splash of hot sauce if desired. Fully submerge chicken pieces in this mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Mix the Seasoned Flour: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne to create the flavorful coating.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure an even and adherent crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even cooking and to avoid burning.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Remove the chicken from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep the coating crisp as it rests.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Double dredge by dipping coated chicken back into buttermilk and flour for extra crunch.
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken.
- Use a wire rack for draining to maintain crust crispness.
- Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 pieces)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: buttermilk fried chicken, southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, comfort food, fried chicken recipe, easy fried chicken