Southern Charm the Ultimate Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

My Secret Southern Charm Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

By Laura TideOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken that just melts in your mouth? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe brings that incredible Southern fried chicken recipe flavor straight to your kitchen.

Get ready for some tasty fried chicken recipe !

Brief Overview

This Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe is a nod to classic Southern cooking. It is of medium difficulty, taking about 4- 24 hours to marinate, and 20- 30 minutes to cook.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

This Best Homemade Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy skin and juicy meat. Perfect for a Sunday dinner with family or a casual get-together with friends.

What makes this Best Fried Chicken Ever special? That buttermilk soak, baby. It's pure magic!

Time to Gather the Goods!

Let's talk ingredients for the best buttermilk fried chicken thighs and fried chicken drumsticks recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Fried Chicken Ever

Alright, let's talk ingredients for the most amazing Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken ! I mean, seriously, we're aiming for Southern fried chicken recipe perfection here.

I still remember my first attempt. It was... well, let's just say the dog enjoyed it more than I did! Learning from my mistakes, I know the right stuff matters.

Main Ingredients - The Chicken & Its Bath

We're gonna need the star of the show: about 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks are my personal fave.

They stay super juicy! For quality, look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. Oh, and the buttermilk? Gotta have 4 cups (960ml) of it.

It's not just for flavor; it tenderizes the chicken like nobody's business. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of your favourite hot sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml) kosher salt, 1 teaspoon (5ml) black pepper, 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder.

Let it sit in that for at least 4 hours , but overnight is much better. Trust me.

Seasoning Notes - The Flavor Bomb

This is where the magic happens! The coating needs some serious oomph. You'll need 3 cups (360g) of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch (for extra crisp!), 2 tablespoons (30ml) paprika, 1 tablespoon (15ml) garlic powder, 1 tablespoon (15ml) onion powder, 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried thyme, 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried oregano, 1 teaspoon (5ml) cayenne pepper (if you're feeling spicy!), 2 teaspoons (10ml) baking powder, 2 teaspoons (10ml) kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) black pepper.

Honestly, the blend of thyme and oregano just screams "tasty fried chicken recipe" .

Don't have oregano? Marjoram works in a pinch. Baking powder helps the coating puff up. It makes all the difference for that crispy chicken recipe !

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this homemade fried chicken recipe . A big bowl for marinating is a must. Some shallow dishes or trays for dredging are super helpful.

Then you'll need a large, heavy bottomed pot or a Dutch oven for frying. Please get yourself a deep fry thermometer. It's the secret to consistent cooking! A wire rack is also important to drain the chicken.

If you don't have the correct tools you won't achieve the best homemade fried chicken .

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, deep frying pan can work. No wire rack? Use some paper towels on a plate.

Now you have an easy fried chicken dinner ! So, that's it. You have everything you need to begin this Best Fried Chicken Recipe Easy .

Alright, let's dive into the magical world of Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken . Honestly, who doesn't love perfectly Tasty Fried Chicken Recipe ? It's like a warm hug in food form.

I remember my grandma making Southern fried chicken recipe every Sunday and, Oh my gosh! , the smell alone was enough to make you drool.

Let's try to re-create that Best Fried Chicken Ever ! This is Best Fried Chicken Recipe Easy .

Cooking Up a Storm: The Frying Method

Frying might seem intimidating, but trust me, it's totally doable. We're aiming for that perfect Crispy chicken recipe , golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside.

This Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe is easier than you think and way better than anything you can buy! Get ready to make the Best Homemade Fried Chicken .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place . It's a fancy French term for "everything in its place". Basically, chop your veggies, measure your spices, and have all your ingredients ready to go.

Next, grab about 1.36 kg of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like Buttermilk fried chicken thighs or Fried chicken drumsticks recipe .

Arrange everything within easy reach. This will save you so much time and stress. Trust me.

Don't forget to be safe! Hot oil is no joke. Wear an apron, use tongs, and never leave the pot unattended.

If oil starts to smoke, turn down the heat immediately. You know? Common sense, but always worth a reminder. Safety first!

step-by-step to Easy Fried Chicken Dinner

Marinate your chicken in a mixture of 960ml buttermilk, 30ml hot sauce, 15ml salt, 5ml pepper, 5ml garlic powder, and 5ml onion powder. This is important. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours , or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
While the chicken marinates, prep your flour mixture. Whisk together 360g all-purpose flour, 30g cornstarch, 30ml paprika, 15ml garlic powder, 15ml onion powder, 15ml dried thyme, 15ml dried oregano, 5ml cayenne pepper (optional), 10ml baking powder, 10ml salt, and 5ml black pepper in a shallow dish.
Heat about 960ml of vegetable oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot to 163° C . Use a deep fry thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. It should be at 325° F .
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly. For extra crunch, double dredge: dip back in the buttermilk, then back in the flour.
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry in batches! Keep the oil temperature between 149° C and 163° C .
Fry for about 6- 8 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74° C .
Remove chicken and place on a wire rack to drain. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Fried Chicken Fanatics

Want that extra level of crispy? A little cornstarch in your flour mix is the secret. Also, make sure your oil is at the right temperature! Too low, and the chicken will be greasy.

Too high, and it will burn before it's cooked through.

One of the most common mistakes is overcrowding the pot. This lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches, folks! Honestly...it makes a HUGE difference.

You can prep the chicken up to the point of frying. Just keep the dredged chicken in the fridge until you're ready to cook it. This is perfect for parties! You know?

Recipe Notes for Best Fried Chicken Ever

Alright, so you're practically drooling thinking about this Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken , right? Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

Cooking is fun but the details matters, especially when you are cooking for yourself or friends, family.

Serving Up Some Goodness

Okay, plating! Honestly, presentation does matter. I like to pile my Tasty Fried Chicken Recipe high on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for that "ooh la la" vibe.

For sides, you can't beat creamy coleslaw and fluffy mashed potatoes. If you wanna be fancy, serve it all with a tangy honey mustard.

Oh, and don't forget a big ol' glass of sweet tea or maybe even a cold beer!

Keepin' It Fresh (Storage Secrets)

Leftover Homemade Fried Chicken Recipe ? If you somehow manage to have any! Honestly, I rarely do, haha! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I like to use the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes.

It helps keep the Crispy chicken recipe crisp. I never recommend freezing your Southern fried chicken recipe , as it gets a bit soggy, but if you must, wrap it tightly in foil.

Remixing the Recipe (Variations)

Want to shake things up? For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Boom! Sorted. For a spicy kick, add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mix or use a spicy hot sauce in the marinade.

I once accidentally used smoked paprika instead of regular, but it was surprisingly delicious. Best Homemade Fried Chicken , even accidentally!

Nutrition Lowdown (Simple Version)

Okay, let's keep it real. This Easy fried chicken dinner isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each serving is roughly between 550-700 calories and packed with protein (40-50g).

The benefits are it tastes amazing and it brings families together. Enjoy!

So there you have it, my friend! With these little tips and tricks, you're well on your way to making the Best Fried Chicken Recipe Easy ! Happy frying, and remember, don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Have fun and get ready for an Easy fried chicken dinner .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is buttermilk so important for Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken? Can I skip it?

The buttermilk is key, mate! It tenderizes the chicken, giving it that juicy texture, and the slight acidity helps the coating stick better. If you're in a pinch, you can try a milk and vinegar mixture (like 1 tbsp vinegar to 1 cup milk, let it sit for a few), but honestly, buttermilk makes all the difference for that authentic Southern taste.

My fried chicken isn't crispy enough! What am I doing wrong?

Crispy chicken is the holy grail! First, make sure your oil temperature is consistent aim for around 325°F (163°C). Don't overcrowd the pot, as that lowers the oil temp. Consider double dredging in the flour mixture for an extra crunchy coating.

Also, letting the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying prevents it from getting soggy.

How long can I marinate the chicken in buttermilk? Is there such a thing as too long?

Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight (up to 24 hours) is ideal for maximum tenderness. Anything much longer than that, and the acid in the buttermilk can actually start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a slightly mushy texture. Think of it like giving it a good ol' spa day, not letting it over soak!

Can I make this Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour in the coating for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it's a blend designed for baking, as these tend to have better binding qualities. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always double check labels, just in case!

What's the best way to store leftover fried chicken and reheat it so it's still crispy?

Leftover fried chicken is almost as good as fresh! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and retain some crispiness, skip the microwave it'll turn it soggy. Instead, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

An air fryer also works wonders!

Is Classic Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken healthy? What are some ways to make it a little better for me?

Let's be honest, fried chicken is a treat, not a health food! However, there are ways to make it a little lighter. Using skinless chicken pieces can reduce the fat content. Baking or air frying are healthier alternatives to deep frying.

Serve it with plenty of healthy sides like a big salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal, innit.