How to Make Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a Southern staple that’s been enjoyed by families for generations. One of the keys to making this classic dish is using buttermilk. So, if you’re looking to create a dish that’s crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place.

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to note that buttermilk is the magic ingredient here. Not only does it add tang and tenderness to the meat, but it also helps the breading to adhere better. But don’t worry if you don’t have any buttermilk on hand! With a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice, you can easily make your own DIY buttermilk. So, let’s get started!

10 Steps to Make the Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Step 1: Choose the Right Chicken Pieces

When it comes to making buttermilk fried chicken, the choice of chicken pieces is crucial. You can use any part of the chicken but the most popular cuts for frying are drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts. Choose pieces with a natural thickness and size to ensure even cooking throughout, and don’t forget to remove the skin to prevent excess oil absorption.

Step 2: Wash and Season the Chicken

Before you start the actual frying process, it’s important to prepare the chicken by washing it thoroughly under cold running water. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel and then season generously with your favorite spices and herbs. For example, you can mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful dry rub.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

One of the secrets to achieving tender, juicy, and crispy fried chicken is to marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight. Buttermilk is a slightly acidic liquid that helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender while adding a tangy flavor. You can also add some hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

The coating is what creates the golden and crispy exterior of the buttermilk fried chicken. To make the coating, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like in a bowl. You can also add some breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunchiness. Set this aside until you’re ready to fry.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

For deep-frying, use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Pour enough oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven to fill it halfway and heat to 350°F over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.

Step 6: Dredge the Chicken in the Coating

Take a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk marinade and let the excess drip off. Roll it in the coating mixture until fully coated and shake off any excess flour. Repeat for all the chicken pieces, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 7: Fry the Chicken Pieces

Once the oil has reached the right temperature, carefully add a few chicken pieces at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 13-15 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces), flipping them once halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Season the Fried Chicken

As soon as you remove the fried chicken from the oil, season it with a pinch of salt and any other herbs or spices you like that will give it additional flavor.

Step 9: Rest the Chicken Before Serving

Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack to cool down slightly before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Delicious Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Serve your hot and crispy buttermilk fried chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits. You can also drizzle it with some honey, hot sauce, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor and kick. Enjoy your finger-licking good meal!

Ingredients for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

When it comes to making the best buttermilk fried chicken, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here are the staples you will need:

Chicken

The quality and cut of chicken you use will make a huge difference in the outcome of your fried chicken. We recommend using bone-in chicken thighs as they are juicier and more flavorful.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that makes fried chicken tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It also adds a tangy flavor to your chicken.

Flour

Using the right flour will help you achieve the perfect crispy coating. We recommend using all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

Seasonings

To elevate the flavor of your fried chicken, you will need to season both the chicken and the flour coating. You can use a mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs.

Oil

You will need a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying.

Eggs

Eggs are used to create a binding batter between the chicken and flour mixture.

Hot Sauce

Adding a dash of hot sauce to your buttermilk marinade will give your chicken an extra kick of flavor.

Baking Powder

Adding a teaspoon of baking powder to your flour coating will create a light and fluffy crust.

Pickle Juice

Using pickle juice in your marinade will not only add tangy flavor but also help to tenderize the chicken.

Cornflakes

Crushing cornflakes and adding them to your flour coating mixture will give your chicken extra crunch and texture.

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you are ready to start making the best buttermilk fried chicken recipe. Follow the steps carefully and enjoy a delicious meal!

Ingredients for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Before we start the process to make buttermilk fried chicken, ensure you have all the ingredients needed. These include:

Preparing the Buttermilk Mixture

Now that you have all your ingredients in place, it’s time to prepare the buttermilk mixture. It is best to do this the night before or at least a few hours before cooking the chicken to allow enough time for it to marinate.

To start, pour the buttermilk into a large bowl. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and stir till it’s well combined. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss so that it is completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil, and then refrigerate it for about 6-8 hours or overnight.

Preparing the Dry Mix for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

The dry mix is what makes buttermilk fried chicken crispy and tasty. In another bowl, add flour, baking powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients until it’s well combined. Place this mixture aside.

Frying the Chicken

Now that the chicken has marinated in the buttermilk mixture and we have the dry mix ready, it’s time to fry the chicken. In a deep pan or fryer, heat up oil over medium heat until it’s hot enough for frying. Pick up the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture and dust them into the dry mix. Make sure the chicken pieces are well coated by the flour mixture.

After coating the chicken with flour, drop it into the hot oil, starting with one or two pieces. The chicken should not be crowded in the pan, as this can cause uneven cooking. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. You can flip the chicken occasionally to ensure it’s cooked evenly on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Serve your buttermilk fried chicken hot with a variety of different dishes. Some examples include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. Garnish your dish with some herbs like parsley, thyme, or green onions. Optionaly, serve the dish with hot sauce, ranch, or honey mustard dip. Enjoy your delicious homemade buttermilk fried chicken!

Time to Fry Up Some Delicious Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Thanks for reading, and we hope that this recipe has inspired you to get into the kitchen and start cooking! If you’re a lover of fried chicken, then this is the recipe for you. Remember to always use fresh ingredients and take your time to make sure that every step is done to perfection. We hope that you have a great time cooking, and enjoy every bite of your crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken. Don’t forget to visit us again soon for more tasty and easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking!