Best 8 Basic Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern classic and comfort food, buttermilk fried chicken, with our collection of delectable recipes. Experience the crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat that has been marinated in buttermilk, a secret ingredient that imparts a unique flavor and moist texture. Discover variations of this timeless dish, from classic Southern-style buttermilk fried chicken to mouthwatering oven-baked and air fryer versions. Explore our buttermilk fried chicken sandwich recipe, a perfect combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and soft bun. If you prefer a healthier option, try our baked buttermilk chicken tenders, which retain the buttermilk's magic without the added oil. For a unique twist, experiment with our Korean-style buttermilk fried chicken, featuring a delightful blend of Korean spices and flavors.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CHEF JOHN'S BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Chef John's Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

I love the tangy tenderization that the buttermilk provides. After the buttermilk soak, dredge the chicken pieces in seasoned flour, and fry them in hot oil until crisp and cooked.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 6h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (3 1/2) pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon ground thyme
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon white pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon white pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 ½ quarts peanut oil for frying

Steps:

  • Toss together chicken pieces, black pepper, salt, paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, white pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl to coat.
  • Stir in buttermilk until chicken is coated. Refrigerate for 6 hours.
  • Combine flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, white pepper, and onion powder in a large shallow dish.
  • Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess and transfer to a plate.
  • Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Add all the chicken to the pan and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Turn chicken pieces and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove chicken from the oil and transfer to a cooling rack set over a paper towel lined baking sheet. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1261.6 calories, Carbohydrate 55.7 g, Cholesterol 179 mg, Fat 85 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 66 g, SaturatedFat 15.6 g, Sodium 1443.2 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (3 1/2 pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups buttermilk
Salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Toss the chicken, buttermilk and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate, 1 hour.
  • Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360.
  • Mix the flour, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Remove the dark meat from the buttermilk, shake off the excess and roll in the flour mixture. Shake off the excess flour, place in the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes (adjust the heat as needed). Drain on paper towels.
  • Reheat the oil to 360 degrees F. Repeat with the chicken breasts and wings, frying for about 15 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

Here is a basic yet delicious recipe for buttermilk fried chicken, with a crisp crust and luscious interior. Learn this recipe and perfect your frying technique, and then expand your fried chicken repertoire. Try adding some paprika or cayenne to the dredge, or a bit of hot sauce to the brine. And don't forget to drizzle hot honey over it all before serving. (To make one, simply heat a half cup of honey in a small pot set over low heat and shake in red pepper flakes or hot pepper sauce to taste.)

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     project, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 chicken, approximately 3 to 3 1/2 pounds, cut into 10 pieces (or use a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
3 to 4 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons kosher salt, more as needed
2 teaspoons ground black pepper, more as needed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups peanut oil, lard or a neutral oil like canola, more as needed

Steps:

  • Place chicken pieces in a bowl and toss them with buttermilk, 2 tablespoons salt and a healthy grind of black pepper. Cover and marinate for at least an hour and up to a day.
  • Combine flour, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper in a large bowl or, ideally, a paper bag large enough to accommodate the flour and the pieces of chicken.
  • Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet with high sides and a lid, to a depth of a few inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350 degrees.
  • Set a rack on a baking sheet or tray. Place the chicken pieces in the paper bag filled with the flour mixture and shake well to coat, or toss them in the bowl with the flour mixture to achieve a similar result.
  • Shake off excess flour and fry the pieces of chicken skin-side down, in batches so as not to crowd the pan, for about 5 to 15 minutes, covered by the lid. Remove the lid, turn over the chicken pieces, and cook for about 5 to 15 minutes more, uncovered, until they are cooked through and a deep golden brown. Color is as or more important than time: Watch your chicken and get it out when it's golden brown.
  • Remove chicken to the rack to drain and rest, sprinkle with salt and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 802, UnsaturatedFat 50 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 869 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams

AMERICAN BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY



American Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, buttermilk, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oil

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 chicken drumsticks, bone-in
3 chicken thighs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Combine the chicken with all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to make sure each piece of chicken is coated evenly, then cover with cling film and chill for about an hour.
  • Combine all of the breading ingredients in a large bowl, then roll the marinated chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off excess. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over high heat to about 350°F.
  • Fry 3-4 pieces at a time for about 15-20 minutes until the breading is dark golden brown, flipping several times to ensure the breading cooks evenly and does not burn. The heat of the oil should drop to about 320°F.
  • Drain the chicken on paper towels or on a wire rack, resting for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 807 calories, Carbohydrate 82 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 59 grams, Sugar 8 grams

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes the meat moist and flavorful. Chicken breasts cook faster than other parts, so fry them separately in the last batch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups low-fat buttermilk
Coarse salt
3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 whole chickens (2 1/2 to 3 pounds each), each cut into 10 serving pieces (wings, thighs, drumsticks, and 4 breast pieces)
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups vegetable oil

Steps:

  • In each of two 1-gallon resealable plastic bags, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and half the chicken pieces. Shake to coat, refrigerate up to 2 days.
  • In a large shallow bowl, whisk flour with 2 tablespoons salt and remaining 2 teaspoons cayenne. Dredge chicken pieces one at a time in mixture, shaking off excess.
  • In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet (or other heavy-bottom skillet), heat oil to 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer (or until a pinch of flour sizzles when dropped in the oil).
  • Carefully add 1/2 of the chicken. Cook 10 minutes: turn chicken with tongs. Cook until golden brown, the juices run clear, and internal temperature is 165 degrees about 10 minutes more. Transfer to a rack to drain. Season with salt, if desired.
  • Return oil temperature to 350 degrees. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612 g, Fat 28 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 47 g

SOUTHERN-STYLE BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

This is a down home recipe that I have used for years, and thought I would share it! The buttermilk marinade is terrific and is such a comfort food. However this is not a recipe that can be done quickly, but the wait is WELL worth it!

Provided by pinkchef

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Fried Chicken Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
5 cups vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

  • Whisk together buttermilk, mustard, salt and pepper, and cayenne in a bowl, and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 8 hours.
  • When you are ready to cook the chicken, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in the other plastic bag. Shake to mix thoroughly. Transfer one marinated chicken piece at a time into the dry ingredient bag, and shake well to ensure complete coverage. After all chicken pieces are coated, repeat the process by dipping them in the buttermilk marinade and shaking in the dry coating again.
  • Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, making sure not to burn the oil. When oil is hot, fry chicken in batches until golden brown and juices run clear, turning chicken to brown evenly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480 calories, Carbohydrate 29.4 g, Cholesterol 77.1 mg, Fat 26.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 650.4 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Buttermilk fried chicken image

Follow this step-by-step recipe for foolproof fried chicken - dip in buttermilk batter for a golden, seasoned crust and sweet, tender chicken

Provided by Jennifer Joyce

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 18

10 chicken pieces (about 1¼kg/2lb 12oz), on the bone, skin on (use a mixture of thighs and drumsticks)
300ml buttermilk (see tips to make your own)
1 large egg
1-2 litres groundnut oil
grilled corn on the cob, to serve (optional)
skinny fries, to serve (optional)
coleslaw, to serve (optional)
zest 2 lemons
1 tsp chopped thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion salt
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp flaky sea salt
225g plain flour
2 ½ tbsp cornflour
2 ¼ tsp garlic granules
2 ¼ tsp salt
2 ¼ tsp chilli powder

Steps:

  • Put all the dry brine ingredients in a large dish. Add the chicken, toss to coat well, then cover and chill for 12-24 hrs.
  • Put all the spiced flour ingredients in another dish or a large bowl, add a good grind of black pepper and combine well.
  • Put the buttermilk and egg in another bowl and lightly whisk until well combined.
  • Start to coat the chicken. Using one hand, dip the pieces in the buttermilk, making sure they are completely coated.
  • Using your other hand, roll the chicken in the spiced flour until covered all over.
  • Place the chicken on a wire rack with a baking tray underneath. Now you're ready to start frying.
  • Fill a deep cast-iron frying pan or heavy- based medium saucepan half full with oil and heat until the temperature reaches 170C on a cooking thermometer. Put a wire rack on a second tray, ready to drain the fried chicken.
  • Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Place 3-4 pieces of chicken into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook for 10-12 mins. Poke your thermometer into the meat next to the bone - it will be cooked when it reaches 73C.
  • The oil temperature will drop when you add the chicken - adjust the heat to keep it steady at 140C during the cooking process. Once cooked, transfer to the clean wire rack and keep warm in the oven. Bring the oil back to 170C before cooking the next batch. Serve with your choice of sides.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 476 calories, Fat 20 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 37 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 3 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 2.6 milligram of sodium

BASIC BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN



Basic Buttermilk Fried Chicken image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 whole fryer chicken, 2 1/2 to 3 pounds, cut into 10 parts
4 cups low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 1/2 tablespoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil, about 3 cups to start plus more if needed

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a large bowl and fill with cold salted water. Cover and transfer to refrigerator and let soak overnight.
  • Remove chicken from ice water and arrange snugly in a large shallow bowl or baking dish (or divide between two dishes). Whisk together the buttermilk and seasonings and pour over the chicken, making sure the parts are completely submerged. Alternatively, divide the chicken and marinade evenly among large re-sealable bags; rest the bags on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any leaks. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
  • About an hour before you plan to cook the chicken, remove the pieces from the marinade and allow them to drain on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows the excess marinade to drip off and the remaining marinade to lose some of its moisture and become slightly tacky, so the coating will adhere better and produce a crisper crust. The chicken will also come to room temperature, allowing it to cook more quickly and evenly. Meanwhile, in a large clean brown paper bag or a shallow bowl or pie plate, shake or whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings, and spread in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • When you are ready to begin frying, pour just under 3/4 inch oil in a large cast-iron skillet, and bring the oil to 375 degrees over medium heat. If you don't have a thermometer, try this test: drop a cube of white crust less bread into the oil; it should turn golden brown within 1 minute. While the oil is heating, use tongs to dredge the chicken pieces. Make sure they are thoroughly coated, shaking off the excess flour for a nice, even, lump-free crust. Set the dredged pieces on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack as you work.
  • Heat oven to 200 degrees.
  • Before beginning, set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet and set several layers of paper towels on top of the rack for draining the chicken. Working in batches, arrange the chicken pieces skin side down in the pan in a single layer, beginning with the dark meat. Remember to add enough pieces to fill the pan, without touching. After placing the chicken in the pan, the temperature of the oil will drop dramatically. Make sure to adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady temperature of between 330 and 340 degrees during frying as this will help the parts cook evenly, inside and out.
  • Cover the skillet during frying to help the chicken cook through evenly and reduce spattering, peeking inside to check on the progress. Using a probe-style thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of the oil without lifting the lid. Once the first side is crisp and golden, after 4 to 5 minutes, carefully turn the pieces. Be sure not to turn them too soon or the crust will tear; they should release easily from the pan. Then cover the pan again and continue frying until the other side is crisp and the meat is cooked through (it should register 160 for breasts, 165 for thighs on an instant-read thermometer). This should take another 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Check each piece in the batch and remove it as soon as it is ready. Wings, drumsticks, and thinner breast pieces cook faster than the thighs and thicker breast pieces, so remove these first. Transfer to rack on prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Return the oil to 375 before adding the next batch.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh buttermilk and high-quality chicken.
  • Don't overcrowd the chicken in the skillet or it won't cook evenly.
  • Fry the chicken over medium heat so it has time to cook through without burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

Conclusion:

This buttermilk fried chicken recipe is a classic for a reason. It's simple to make, but the results are always delicious. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the buttermilk marinade helps to keep it tender. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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