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Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 22-25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Buttermilk fried chicken delivers crispy, juicy perfection straight from my Southern grandmother’s kitchen. Seasoned, marinated, and fried to golden-brown deliciousness, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering meal your family will devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 pounds chicken pieces

Marinade:

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Submerge 3 pounds of chicken pieces in a bowl with 2 cups buttermilk and 2 teaspoons hot sauce. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. Mix 2 cups flour with 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off for clean coating.
  4. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
  5. Heat vegetable oil to exactly 350°F in a large cast-iron skillet, filling about 2 inches deep.
  6. Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, leaving space between each piece to prevent overcrowding.
  7. Fry chicken for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior.
  8. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  9. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and preserve crispy texture.
  10. Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes before serving to let juices redistribute and coating set.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and superior crispy coating.
  • Pat the chicken pieces completely dry before dredging to ensure a super-crisp exterior.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly golden, crunchy chicken without greasy results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Fried
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg