Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, known for its golden, crispy coating and tender, juicy interior. It’s the kind of dish that instantly feels like home, bringing together flavors of tradition, comfort, and indulgence. Whether served at a summer picnic, family dinner, or casual gathering, this crispy classic never fails to satisfy.
The secret behind truly great fried chicken starts with the buttermilk. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with subtle tanginess. This creates a perfect contrast to the crispy, seasoned crust. The result is chicken that’s flavorful all the way through, juicy on the inside, and beautifully crisp on the outside.
There’s something almost ritualistic about making fried chicken. From dredging each piece in seasoned flour to hearing the satisfying sizzle as it hits the hot oil, every step adds to the anticipation. And once it’s cooked to that ideal golden-brown perfection, you’re rewarded with a dish that is crisp, crunchy, and full of savory flavor in every bite.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread, and it becomes the centerpiece of a comforting, hearty feast. For a summery twist, add fresh watermelon or grilled corn. On chilly evenings, serve it with creamy mac and cheese or roasted vegetables for the ultimate cozy meal.
This dish is also a crowd-pleaser because of its versatility. It’s perfect for picnics, as it tastes just as good at room temperature as it does fresh from the pan. It’s equally at home on a brunch table, served with waffles and drizzled with syrup, or piled high for a family-style dinner. And leftovers, if there are any, make incredible sandwiches the next day.
Few dishes evoke the same sense of nostalgia and satisfaction as Buttermilk Fried Chicken. It’s crunchy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, delivering comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy it with friends, family, or on your own, it’s a meal that feels like a warm, delicious hug.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces such as legs or thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk for marinade
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
- 1 tbsp paprika for seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder for seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground, for seasoning
- 1 tsp salt for seasoning
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, juicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Nutrition
This looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it this weekend! 😊
Yum! This recipe never fails! Been making it for years and always a hit with the family! 🤤
I’m not sure if frying in vegetable oil is a good idea. Shouldn’t we use something healthier?
I used boneless chicken and it worked just as good! Maybe better! Just sayin’.
That’s interesting! I never thought boneless would work as well. I’ll have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Had a real hard time with the frying step. My chicken was burnt on the outside and raw inside. Really frustrating!
I feel your pain! Frying can be tricky. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken! It helps cook it better.
Buttermilk? Why not just use regular milk? Seems silly. 🤷♂️
Does anyone have suggestions for a gluten-free version? My sister can’t have flour 😟.
Fried chicken is life! I can smell it cooking already. Let’s be real, it’s the best!
Sounds simple enough. I’ll give it a shot, but not sure how it will go.
I don’t understand why people rave about this. Mine turned out greasy and flavorless.
I had the same issue! I think maybe the oil wasn’t hot enough when I fried it. That can make it greasy for sure.
Greasy? Mine was super crispy! Did you use enough seasoning? You can’t just rely on buttermilk!
I don have buttermilk, can I use regular milk instead? 🤔
For me, this was way too salty. Next time I’ll cut the salt in half.
This chicken was amazing! So crispy and juicy! My kids loved it.
Delicious! This is the best fried chicken I’ve ever made at home! 😍
Eh, it was alright. I prefer my chicken grilled, not fried. Just my opinion.
I get that! Grilled chicken has its own charm. But you gotta admit, fried chicken does hit different, right? 😋
Why do you have to marinate for 8 hours? Way too long! Just wanna eat, not wait!
I get your point! Waiting can be tough, but marinating helps the flavors to really soak in. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Why not try marinating for a shorter time? Maybe like an hour? Would that be better for your stomach? 🤔
Yum!! I added some hot sauce to the marinade and it was super spicy! 🔥
I followed the recipe but the chicken turned out too oily. What did I do wrong?
I found this recipe too greasy. Maybe I did something wrong, but my chicken was drenched in oil.
Yum! Just made this and my family loved it. The buttermilk makes such a difference.
So true! The buttermilk really does magic. Can’t believe how juicy mine turned out! 🍗❤️
I tried this recipe too! But I don’t think the buttermilk makes THAT much of a difference. Just my opinion.
Dis is how chicken shud be made. My grandma made it like this. Good times!
I agree! Nothing beats grandma’s recipes. But be careful with the frying, it can get messy!
This recipe is bomb! Love the spices and the chicken was so tender!
Easy recipe, but I feel like I need more experience to get it right. Still good though.
This was an absolute hit at my family dinner! The chicken came out so crispy and juicy. I’ll definitely make it again!
Shouldn’t fried chicken be with skin?? This recipe feels incomplete without it.
5 stars! Made it for a BBQ and everyone wiped their plates clean. Thank you!
Crispy heaven! It tasted just like my grandma used to make. Will make again!
This is the best fried chicken recipe I’ve ever tried! So crispy and juicy. A definite 5 stars!
This chicken was so juicy and the coating was nice and crispy! Family loved it!
I think it needs more seasoning. Didn’t taste very flavorful to me. Maybe more paprika?
Crispy AF! My husband ate like 5 pieces. So easy to make! Just be careful with the oil, it can splatter! 🔥
Crispy? Really? I’ve tried so many recipes and never got it right. What makes this one different?
That sounds amazing! My kids love fried chicken, and I can’t wait to try this recipe! 🙌
My grandma’s fried chicken was better. Sorry! But I appreciate the effort.
Nah, this is not even close to my mom’s fried chicken. Better luck next time!
I get it! Nothing compares to grandma’s cooking. But you should give this recipe a try; it might surprise you!
i use lemon juice in place of buttermilk and it was yum! also added some cayenne pepper for kick.
Lemon juice sounds interesting! I never thought to do that. How much did you use?
Cayenne pepper? Isn’t that a bit too much? But hey, if you liked it, who am I to judge? Lol!
I made this chicken but forgot to add the garlic. Still tasted good but I bet it would be better with it. 🤷♀️
I tried it with almond milk instead of buttermilk… didn’t work well. Follow the recipe!
Fried chicken is life! But why buttermilk? Can’t I just use regular milk? 🤔
Yummm! This fried chicken is better than KFC! I loved how the buttermilk made it super tender. 😍
But like, how is this better than KFC? I feel like my taste buds disagree. 🤔
Totally agree! This chicken is a game changer! I never thought buttermilk would make such a difference. Thanks for sharing! 🍗❤️
I don’t eat chicken anymore. Too many bones! But I made this for my husband and he loved it.
Glad your husband enjoyed it! Bones can be annoying, but the flavor is worth it! 🙂
This is just like mom used to make. Brings back so many memories! Thank you for the recipe!
I’m so glad it brought back memories! Buttermilk fried chicken is the best comfort food. 😍
Is it really necessary to use buttermilk? I don’t have any and im not sure if it’s worth buying just for this. I might skip it.
Buttermilk really adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken. You might want to find a substitute if you can’t get it, like yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar!
Chicken? My dad always said it’s fingers not wings cause he hate bones. I eat fish instead.
I don’t get why everyone loves this chicken. I followed the recipe but it turned out so greasy. Not sure if I’ll try it again.