Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe: Golden Homemade Joy

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken has been my ultimate comfort food obsession since childhood memories first sparked my culinary passion.

Southern kitchens whisper secrets about perfectly seasoned, golden-brown delights that make mouths water instantly.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired countless experiments with marinades and coating techniques.

Spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors that captivate every bite.

Crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, succulent chicken that melts in your mouth.

Cooking this dish connects generations through shared moments of pure deliciousness.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary meal that everyone will devour with enthusiasm.

The Secret to Buttermilk Fried Chicken’s Crunch

• This recipe delivers an incredibly crispy exterior that guarantees a satisfying crunch with every single bite, making it a texture lover's dream.
• The buttermilk marinade ensures incredibly tender meat packed with deep, rich seasonings that penetrate through every layer of the chicken.
• Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or casual weekend meals where everyone craves a delicious, familiar dish that brings people together with its irresistible golden-brown goodness.
• Despite looking like a complicated restaurant-style dish, home cooks of all skill levels can successfully recreate this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Must-Have Ingredients for Fried Chicken

• Chicken: A classic protein that becomes crispy and delicious when fried with a buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Spices: Create a flavorful base that infuses the chicken with depth and complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Provide a crispy, golden exterior that gives the chicken its signature crunch.
• Seasonings: Add robust flavor and help create a perfectly seasoned crust on the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for deep frying and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile and create a well-balanced taste in the fried chicken.

How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken

Step 1: Mix Magical Marinade

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend buttermilk with a symphony of spices.

Submerge chicken pieces completely in this tangy bath.

Seal the bowl and let the chicken relax in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Mixture

In another bowl, blend flour, cornstarch, and a robust blend of seasonings.

Arrange your breading station with the seasoned flour mixture and a clean plate ready for coated chicken pieces.

Step 3: Coat Chicken with Crunch

Gently lift chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away.

Roll each piece generously in the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

For an extra-crispy exterior, consider double-dipping each piece.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking in batches.

Fry each side for 10-12 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the freshly fried chicken to rest briefly on a cooling rack.

This helps maintain the crispy exterior and lets juices redistribute.

Plate with your favorite Southern-style sides and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Fried Chicken Tips for Extra Crisp

• Add minced garlic, hot sauce, or herbs to the buttermilk marinade for an extra flavor punch that infuses the chicken with delicious depth.
• Use a combination of flour and cornstarch in your coating to create an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after cooling.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to reduce oil splashing and ensure a more even, golden-brown coating during frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, ensuring it reaches 165F without overcooking and maintaining juicy meat inside the crispy exterior.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms by allowing excess oil to drip away.

Storing and Reheating Fried Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place pieces in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Avoid microwaving, which makes chicken soggy.
• Set air fryer to 375F. Arrange chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Great Pairings for Fried Chicken

• Savor Southern Sweetness: Pair this crispy buttermilk fried chicken with classic Southern sides and refreshing drinks that complement its rich flavors.
• Sip Classic Sweet Tea: Brew a tall glass of sweet tea with fresh mint, its sugary coolness cutting through the chicken's crispy, spicy coating and providing a traditional Southern beverage experience.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw that offers a crunchy, acidic contrast to the chicken's richness, balancing the deep-fried texture with fresh, zesty notes.
• Serve with Creamy Mac and Cheese: Prepare a rich, cheesy mac and cheese side that echoes the chicken's comforting, indulgent profile, creating a harmonious Southern-style meal with creamy and crispy textures.

Tasty Variations on Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free rice flour or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities. Use cornstarch and gluten-free seasoning blend to maintain the crispy texture.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot paprika, and red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a fiery version. Mix extra hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade for additional heat and flavor complexity.
• Herb-Infused Lighter Option: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage into the coating. Swap traditional frying with oven-baking at 425F for a healthier preparation method, using a light spray of olive oil to achieve crispness.
• Keto-Friendly Chicken Crust: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk and add extra low-carb seasonings like garlic powder and parmesan cheese for a protein-packed alternative.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat, break down proteins, and create a tangy flavor. Its acidic nature also helps the coating stick better, resulting in a crispier exterior.

• Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, you can also use peanut oil or canola oil, which have similar characteristics and provide excellent frying results.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink and juices should run clear.

• What makes the chicken coating extra crispy?

Double-dipping the chicken in the flour mixture creates an extra thick, crunchy layer. Additionally, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature (350F/175C) helps create a crisp exterior without absorbing too much oil.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes
• Yield: 46 1x

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Description

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with golden, crunchy perfection. Succulent meat nestled in a perfectly seasoned, crackling coating promises a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 46 pieces chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120 grams) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken pieces with a zesty buttermilk bath by whisking spices into the liquid, completely submerging the meat. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Create a crispy coating mixture by blending flour, cornstarch, and robust seasonings in a wide, shallow container. Prepare a dedicated surface for breading the marinated chicken.
3. Extract chicken from the buttermilk bath, letting excess liquid cascade off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage. For maximum crispiness, repeat the dredging process.
4. Preheat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, maintaining a consistent temperature. Fry in small batches for 10-12 minutes, turning once to achieve an evenly golden, crunchy exterior.
5. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining optimal crispiness. Rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to seal in juices.

Notes

• Achieve maximum flavor by letting chicken marinate overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Double-dipping the chicken creates an incredibly crispy, extra-crunchy exterior that stays perfectly golden and textured.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.
• Keep oil consistently hot around 350F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy results, using a deep-fry thermometer for precision.

• Prep Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 46
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg