Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish where chicken is soaked in a seasoned buttermilk marinade that infuses it with moisture and flavor, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The buttermilk soak not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The crispy, golden exterior, combined with the tender and juicy interior, ensures each bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish will definitely impress. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it an accessible choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. If you love fried chicken that’s packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Marinate for Longer: While 2-4 hours of marination is enough to infuse the chicken with flavor, for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This will ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.
Season the Flour: It’s crucial to season both the flour and the buttermilk. The flour should be mixed with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful crust that will complement the buttermilk-soaked chicken.
Use the Right Oil: Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. This helps maintain consistent temperature and results in a perfectly crisp coating.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying at the right temperature (350°F-375°F) is key to getting crispy, golden chicken. If the oil is too hot, the coating can burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will become soggy.
Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy texture, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture a second time before frying. This double coating will make the fried chicken even crunchier.
Rest the Chicken After Frying: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack or paper towels for a few minutes to allow excess oil to drain and the crust to set. This helps maintain the crispiness.
Variations of Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicier kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for added heat.
- Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the buttermilk-marinated chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, then bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Buttermilk Chicken Tenders: This variation involves cutting the chicken into strips and frying them just like you would with full chicken pieces. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun, bite-sized option.
- Herb-Infused Buttermilk: For a fresh twist, infuse the buttermilk with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. This adds a savory, aromatic note to the marinade.
How to Serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect on its own with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad for a lighter meal or on a sandwich with pickles and hot sauce for a more casual option. You can also use the fried chicken in wraps or as part of a chicken and waffle dish, offering even more ways to enjoy this crispy, juicy delicacy.
How to Store Buttermilk Fried Chicken
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing your fried chicken properly will keep it fresh and delicious. Place the chicken in an airtight container, and make sure it cools to room temperature before storing to avoid sogginess. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. First, ensure the fried chicken has cooled completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works just as well! You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F).
2. What type of buttermilk should I use?
You should use real buttermilk for this recipe. It’s thicker and has a tangy flavor that helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?
Yes! You can bake the chicken for a healthier version. Simply follow the same steps to coat the chicken in the buttermilk and seasoned flour, then bake on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F until crispy and cooked through.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done frying?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside, and when pierced with a fork, the juices should run clear.
5. Can I use this recipe for chicken wings?
Absolutely! This recipe works great for chicken wings as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since wings cook faster than whole pieces of chicken.
6. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will allow the buttermilk to tenderize the meat even further, giving it a more intense flavor. It’s a great option for meal prep or if you’re planning ahead.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish where chicken is soaked in a seasoned buttermilk marinade that infuses it with moisture and flavor, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 heaping teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large sealable bag, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. Seal tightly and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or up to 24 hours) for the best flavor.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in the buttermilk until the mixture becomes clumpy.
- Set up a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Take the marinated chicken pieces, one at a time, and press them into the breading mixture. Make sure the coating sticks well. Place the breaded tenders on the prepared sheet.
- Heat 3-4 cups of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (test by dropping in a cube of bread—if it sizzles, the oil is ready).
- Working in batches, fry the chicken tenders until golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place them on a paper towel-lined sheet to drain excess oil.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 6362Total Fat: 663gSaturated Fat: 51gTrans Fat: 17gUnsaturated Fat: 580gCholesterol: 196mgSodium: 1813mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 78g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a classic that never goes out of style. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and mouthwatering flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. By following the tips and tricks shared in this recipe, you’ll be able to achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken right at home. Whether you enjoy it as is or try one of the variations, it’s a dish that will surely satisfy your cravings and impress anyone you serve it to.
