The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. This recipe showcases tender chicken marinated in creamy buttermilk, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior. With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, you’ll love serving this dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and buttermilk creates a deliciously seasoned chicken that everyone will crave.
• Crispy Texture: Frying the chicken ensures a perfectly crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat inside.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding your family, this dish is sure to impress!

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will help you achieve optimal results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dish
• Deep fryer or large pot
• Candy thermometer
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken and mixing ingredients without spillage.
• Candy thermometer: Helps maintain the oil temperature while frying, ensuring your chicken gets crispy without burning.
• Wire rack: Drains excess oil from fried chicken while keeping it crispy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To prepare The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 8 pieces of bone in, skin on chicken (thighs and legs preferred)
• 2 cups buttermilk

For the Coating Mixture

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoon paprika
• 1½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For Frying

• 4 cups vegetable oil (enough for frying)

How to Make The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried mustard, and paprika. Mix well to coat evenly.
3. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and stir until well combined. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour; overnight is best for flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, dried basil, dried thyme, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 340°F. This will give you a crispy exterior without burning.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

1. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade.
2. Dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

1. Carefully place 4 or 5 pieces of chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding.
2. Fry until golden brown and cooked through (approximately 15 minutes per piece).
3. Ensure internal temperature reaches 170°F using a candy thermometer.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

1. Once fried, place chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
2. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Serving The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, pairing it with the right sides and drinks will elevate the meal.

Classic Pairings

• Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and complements the richness of the chicken.
• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles add a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.

Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch is an all-time favorite for dipping or drizzling over your chicken.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, hot sauce adds an extra kick to the juicy chicken.

Refreshing Beverages

• Lemonade: A classic, refreshing drink that balances the savory taste of fried chicken.
• Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened, iced tea is a great beverage choice for this dish.

How to Perfect The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture and flavor in The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken, follow these expert tips.

• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil at 340°F to ensure even cooking and crispy skin without burning.
• Season Flour Generously: Seasoning your flour mix with spices ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches to prevent steaming, which keeps the coating crispy.
• Drain on Wire Rack: Placing fried chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drip off while keeping it crunchy.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Pairing sides with The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance out the flavors of fried chicken.
2. Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add a fresh touch.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy pasta is always a hit and complements the savory notes of fried chicken.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans bring a hearty element to your plate.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and healthy nutrients alongside your main dish.
6. Potato Salad: A cool potato salad brings creaminess that pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a crunchy, juicy bite that contrasts nicely with the main dish.
8. Fried Green Tomatoes: These tangy bites offer an additional southern flair that harmonizes with fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One way to elevate your cooking is by learning from common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when making The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken:

• Not marinating long enough: Skipping the overnight marination can lead to less flavorful chicken. Aim to let the chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, but longer is better.
• Overcrowding the fryer: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for a crispy texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the flour mixture can lead to bland chicken. Ensure every step is seasoned well for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use a thermometer and maintain around 340°F during frying.
• Not letting it drain properly: Placing fried chicken directly on a plate can make it soggy. Use a wire rack to let excess oil drip away and keep it crispy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and safety.

Freezing The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place on a microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil. Add chicken and cover, warming for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken:

What makes The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken so special?

The marination in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while infusing rich flavors, creating moist meat with a crispy coating.

Can I use other parts of chicken?

Absolutely! While thighs and legs are recommended, you can also use wings or breasts depending on your preference.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.

How do I ensure my fried chicken stays crispy?

Proper draining on a wire rack after frying helps maintain crispiness by preventing steam buildup.

Final Thoughts

The Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the spices or even try different dipping sauces based on your taste preferences. This recipe promises crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for any meal occasion. Give it a try!