Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a classic dish that promises crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, flavorful meat. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or even game-day snacks, this Southern favorite never fails to impress.
Why Buttermilk Makes Fried Chicken Better
The secret to irresistibly tender fried chicken lies in the buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk’s natural acidity helps break down the proteins in the chicken, infusing it with flavor and keeping it moist during frying. The thick, slightly tangy liquid also helps the seasoned coating adhere beautifully, creating that signature crispy exterior.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken Cuts: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the juiciest results. Drumsticks, thighs, and wings are particularly popular for frying.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to both the buttermilk and the flour mixture.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and once more into the flour. This creates a thick, crunchy coating.
- Use a Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, maintain the oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F. A food thermometer ensures the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Drain Properly: After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Variations of Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Buttermilk Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the buttermilk for a fragrant twist.
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a mix of almond and rice flours for a gluten-free version.
- Oven-Fried Buttermilk Chicken: For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F on a wire rack until crispy and golden.
How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Pair your crispy fried chicken with classic Southern sides for a complete meal. Here are some popular options:
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a perfect match for the rich flavors of fried chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances the crunch and adds a refreshing touch.
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes smothered in gravy make for an indulgent pairing.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory, cornbread complements fried chicken beautifully.
- Pickles: A side of pickles cuts through the richness and adds a delightful tang.
How to Store Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Proper storage is key to preserving the flavor and texture of your fried chicken:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, placing the chicken on a wire rack.
- Freeze: Fried chicken freezes well! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for best results.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk is ideal, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
What type of oil is best for frying chicken?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, work best.
Can I make buttermilk fried chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why is my fried chicken not crispy?
Ensure the oil is at the right temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, double-coating the chicken helps achieve a crispy crust.
Is it okay to marinate chicken for more than 24 hours?
While longer marination can enhance tenderness, exceeding 24 hours may cause the texture to break down too much.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a classic dish that promises crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, flavorful meat. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or even game-day snacks, this Southern favorite never fails to impress.
Ingredients
Buttermilk Marinade:
- 8 pieces of chicken (thighs and drumsticks preferred, ~3 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried sage
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp dried mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Flour Dredge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1½ tsp dried thyme
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (1–2 inches deep)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried mustard, paprika, and sage. Pour in the buttermilk, ensuring all the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, basil, thyme, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In a deep frying pan, heat oil to about 340°F. Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for even frying.
- Remove each piece from the marinade, shake off excess, and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure every inch of the chicken is well-covered for that signature crispy crust.
- Fry chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 15 minutes per piece, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 170°F).
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil while preserving crispiness. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 703Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 165mgSodium 2177mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 52g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Closing Thoughts
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary tradition that brings people together. By following these tips and tricks, experimenting with variations, and serving it with your favorite sides, you’ll create a dish that delights every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or indulging in comfort food, this timeless recipe will surely become a family favorite.
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