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Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Juicy buttermilk-brined chicken in a shatteringly crisp, well-seasoned crust that's the gold standard of comfort food.

90 minutes
Serves 6
Dinner

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk the buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of the salt in a large bowl, add the chicken, and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

  2. 2

    In a wide dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and remaining salt.

  3. 3

    Working one piece at a time, lift the chicken from the buttermilk letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to build a craggy coating. Rest the coated pieces on a rack for 15 minutes so the crust sets.

  4. 4

    Heat the oil in a heavy Dutch oven to 350F. Fry the chicken in batches without crowding, maintaining 300 to 325F, for 12 to 16 minutes, turning occasionally.

  5. 5

    The chicken is done when deeply golden brown and the thickest part registers 165F for breasts and 175F for thighs and drumsticks.

  6. 6

    Drain on a clean wire rack (not paper towels, which steam the crust) and season with a pinch of salt while hot. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

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