Quick & Crispy Golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Crispy southern golden buttermilk fried chicken has been my secret weekend comfort meal since childhood.

My grandmother’s recipe whispers memories of warm kitchen gatherings.

Generations of home cooks perfected this classic dish through patient technique and love.

Marinating chicken pieces creates impossibly tender meat under an audaciously crunchy exterior.

Seasoned flour brings magical texture that makes every bite extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and paprika dance together in a coating that promises serious deliciousness.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can produce such magnificent results.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

The Chicken Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To

• Achieve Crave-Worthy Crunch: Discover a crispy coating that delivers restaurant-quality texture right in your kitchen, promising an irresistible golden exterior that cracks perfectly with every bite.
• Master Flavor-Packed Marination: Transform ordinary chicken into a mouth-watering masterpiece through a buttermilk marinade that infuses deep, complex seasonings, ensuring each piece bursts with incredible taste.
• Create Restaurant-Style Magic at Home: Skip expensive takeout and become your own gourmet chef by recreating a classic favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Adjust spice levels and seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe versatile enough to satisfy everyone from mild to wild taste buds.

Essential Ingredients for That Perfect Chicken Dish

• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that helps tenderize the chicken and adds rich flavor.
• Paprika: A spice that provides a mild, sweet pepper taste and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that build a complex and robust flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: An optional ingredient that adds extra heat and zest to the marinade.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base for creating a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken.
• Paprika, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Dried Basil, Black Pepper, Mustard Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that enhance the coating's flavor and create a well-seasoned crust.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps create a lighter, crispier coating.

• Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke points that are ideal for deep frying and creating a crispy chicken exterior.

Simple Instructions to Follow for Great Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce

Submerge chicken pieces completely in this zesty liquid. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, letting those flavors soak deep into the meat.

Step 2: Craft Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried basil
• Black pepper
• Mustard powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Baking powder

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a seriously flavorful coating.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Pull marinated chicken from the refrigerator.

Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even layer. Gently shake off excess flour.

Let coated chicken rest for 10 minutes to help breading stick perfectly.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet until it reaches 350°F.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, working in batches to maintain proper temperature. Fry each side for 10-15 minutes until exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Plate alongside classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that rivals any famous fried chicken restaurant!

Tips to Perfect This Chicken Every Time

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight to tenderize and infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the meat.
• Press seasoned flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy exterior that seals in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy or burnt chicken pieces.
• Place fried chicken on wire rack or paper towels to remove extra oil, keeping the crispy coating perfectly crunchy and not soggy.
• Allow coated chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to help breading adhere better and create a more stable, crispier crust.

Different Takes on This Classic Chicken Dish

• Spicy Cayenne Kick: Increase cayenne pepper in marinade and coating for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Replace dried thyme and basil with fresh chopped rosemary, sage, and parsley to create a more aromatic and herbaceous coating.
• Buttermilk Ranch Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning powder into the flour coating and add dried dill for a tangy, creamy flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Southern Cornmeal Crunch: Substitute half the flour with cornmeal in the coating mixture to provide an extra crispy, textured exterior with a southern-style touch.

Best Pairings to Enhance Your Chicken Meal

• Crisp Slaw Sidekick: Tangy coleslaw balances the rich, crispy chicken with its cool, creamy texture and zesty vinegar punch. The refreshing crunch cuts through the fried chicken's heaviness, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Buttermilk Biscuit Buddy: Soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits soak up the chicken's delicious juices and provide a comforting, buttery complement. Their tender interior perfectly contrasts the chicken's crispy exterior, making each bite a southern-style delight.

Storage Solutions for Fresh Chicken Meals

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Carefully wrap each chicken piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help maintain crispiness. Warm for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and soft. The acidic nature breaks down proteins, creating a more flavorful and moist meat that stays tender during frying.

• Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Avoid using cake or bread flour as they might change the coating’s texture and crispiness. Stick to regular all-purpose flour for the perfect crispy exterior.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and turns golden within 60 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

Golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy golden buttermilk fried chicken delivers Southern comfort straight to your plate with remarkable crunch and juicy perfection. Hearty marinades and precise coating techniques promise an unforgettable culinary experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)

Marinade:

• 1 cup buttermilk

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Coating Ingredients:

Dry Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Frying Ingredients:

Oil:

• 23 cups vegetable oil or canola oil

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in a robust marinade blending buttermilk, aromatic spices, and hot sauce. Ensure thorough coating and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Create a complex seasoning blend by whisking together flour and multiple dry spices, generating a textured, flavorful coating mixture that will provide exceptional crunch and taste.
3. Extract marinated chicken and meticulously dredge each piece through seasoned flour, applying gentle pressure to guarantee complete coverage. Allow coated pieces to rest momentarily, enabling coating adherence.
4. Heat oil to precisely 350F in a substantial skillet, maintaining consistent temperature. Gently introduce chicken pieces, avoiding overcrowding. Fry methodically, rotating once, approximately 12-15 minutes total until exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown shell and internal temperature reaches 165F.
5. Transfer crispy chicken onto absorbent surfaces to eliminate excess oil. Plate immediately alongside preferred accompaniments, celebrating the perfectly crisp, juicy result of careful preparation.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Let chicken rest after coating to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1044 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg