Description
Crispy buttermilk fried chicken with a tender, juicy interior and perfectly seasoned crispy coating, ideal for a family dinner, picnic, or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be the coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour into the chicken to help it stick.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan, skin-side down. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If you prefer spicy chicken, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add extra hot sauce to the marinade.
- For extra crispy skin, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and coat it with flour a second time before frying.
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to the flour mixture for additional flavor.
- To make the chicken healthier, consider air-frying it at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
