Cluck Yeah! The Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Craving crispy buttermilk fried chicken like your Nan's? This recipe delivers! Juicy, golden perfection, Southern-style. Get the secret to extra crispy chicken!

Cluck Yeah! Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Alright, let's get this show on the road!

Cluck Yeah! The Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered why your homemade fried chicken never tastes as good as the stuff from down south? honestly, i have, too.

But, guess what? the secret's out, and it involves a little something called buttermilk. this buttermilk fried chicken recipe is about to change your life.

This ain't just any fried chicken recipe southern . it’s a family favourite that’s been tweaked and perfected over years of sunday dinners.

It's got that tangy buttermilk kick and a ridiculously crispy crust that'll have you saying "oh my gosh!".

Why This Recipe Rocks

This is best crispy fried chicken recipe , period. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it super juicy. The spice blend adds a flavour bomb that's seriously addictive. Trust me.

Originating from the southern us, fried chicken has become a global comfort food. this recipe aims to make that comfort accessible in your kitchen.

It is a medium-difficulty recipe, requiring about 4 hours and 20 minutes of total time, including brining, and yields 4-6 servings.

Crispy, Juicy, and Totally Worth It

What's so special about this chicken? well, aside from the obvious deliciousness, it's packed with protein to keep you full and happy.

Plus, it's perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a bbq with mates. ever tasted gus’s fried chicken ? well, this rivals that and it's all homemade.

The fried chicken ingredients are simple, but the result is extraordinary. and the crispy texture? it's the kind of thing food dreams are made of.

You know? don’t skip the brining step, it's where the magic starts. so, keep reading to discover more about this extra crispy fried chicken recipe .

Get Ready to Fry!

Now, i'm not gonna lie, this isn't a 30-minute meal. but the payoff is huge. think about it: extra crispy fried chicken wings that are perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Honestly, if you're searching for the best fried chicken recipe crispy without buttermilk , you should stop and try this recipe with buttermilk, you will change your mind! i have tried a lot of best fried chicken recipe but this is one i will be holding onto for a while.

Let’s move on to the ingredients list, shall we?

Okay, darling, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously banging buttermilk fried chicken . we're talking best crispy fried chicken recipe potential here! forget that shop-bought rubbish, we are making it from scratch.

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Preparation time:

30 Mins
Cooking time:

25 Mins
Servings:
🍽️
4-6 servings

⚖️ Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (950 ml) Buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Black peppercorns, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
  • 2-3 lbs (900-1350g) Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts, wings)
  • 2 cups (250g) All-purpose flour (plain flour)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) Cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 2 tablespoons (24g) Paprika (sweet or smoked, your preference)
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) Onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
  • Vegetable oil or Peanut oil, for frying (approx. 4-6 cups / 950ml-1400ml)

🥄 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Buttermilk Brine: Combine buttermilk, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Whisk to dissolve salt and sugar.
  2. Brine the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a separate shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.
  4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from the brine, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Dip in the beaten egg, then dredge again in the flour mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating. Place the dredged chicken on a wire rack.
  5. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325-350°F (160-175°C).
  6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Drain and Rest: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so here's the lowdown. This recipe is all about achieving that Extra Crispy Fried Chicken texture. Seriously, people will be begging for your secret.

Buttermilk Brine Brigade

  • Buttermilk: 4 cups (950 ml) . Go for full-fat buttermilk, yeah? Gives it that extra oomph .
  • Kosher salt: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Proper flavour-enhancer this.
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Just a pinch of sweetness, mind.
  • Black peppercorns, crushed: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Freshly crushed are the best!
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds a bit of depth, you know?
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . For that classic fried chicken flavour.
  • Hot sauce: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . I use Tabasco, but your call!

The Chicken Champion

  • Chicken pieces: 2-3 lbs (900-1350g) . Bone-in, skin-on. Thighs and drumsticks are my personal faves.

The Coating Crew

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250g) . Plain flour works perfectly.
  • Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (60g) . This is what gives it that super crispy Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Wings result!
  • Paprika: 2 tablespoons (24g) . Sweet or smoked, whatever you prefer.
  • Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon (12g) . Yeah, more garlic!
  • Onion powder: 1 tablespoon (12g) . Still more onion.
  • Dried thyme: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Essential for the Fried Chicken Ingredients , you know.
  • Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Love that herby kick.
  • Black pepper: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) . Freshly ground is always better.
  • Cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Optional, but I love a bit of heat!
  • Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
  • Vegetable oil or Peanut oil: 4-6 cups (950ml-1400ml) . For that golden Extra Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe .

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the seasoning is where the magic happens. Think of it as your chance to get creative with your Fried Chicken Recipe Southern roots.

We are looking for the Best Fried Chicken Recipe ever.

  • Essential spice combo: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. That's your base!
  • Flavor Enhancers: Hot sauce in the brine, cayenne in the flour. They level-up the flavor so you can have some delicious Gus’s Fried Chicken .
  • Quick Sub: If you don't have buttermilk, mix milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a bit to curdle.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah? You don't need fancy gadgets for this Best Fried Chicken Recipe Crispy Without Buttermilk .

  • Large bowl: For brining the chicken.
  • Shallow dishes: For dredging.
  • Heavy-bottomed pot: For frying. A Dutch oven is perfect!
  • Thermometer: An instant-read one, trust me. You gotta get the oil temp right.
  • Wire rack: To drain the chicken.
  • Tongs: Essential for safe frying.
  • Paper towels: For soaking up the excess oil.

That's it! Now you're all set to make some Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe . Get ready to impress your mates. I'm telling ya, this Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a winner!

Alright, let's get this buttermilk fried chicken party started! you know, i used to think fried chicken was just…fried chicken.

Then, i had that piece, the one that changed everything. the best crispy fried chicken recipe became my obsession, and honestly, i've never looked back.

Forget take away, this is how it's done.

Cluck Yeah! The Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Forget that bland rubbish. we're talking proper, extra crispy fried chicken . brined, seasoned, and fried to golden perfection. trust me, it's worth the effort.

It’s juicy, it’s crispy, it’s…well, you get it.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

First things first: get organised. This ain’t no five-minute meal, so get your ducks in a row.

  • Essential mise en place: Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. Like they say, everything in its place!
  • Time-saving organization tips: Use small bowls for each element of the dredging station. Makes life SO much easier.
  • Safety reminders: Hot oil is dangerous. Always use a thermometer and never leave the pot unattended. Honestly, a burn from hot oil really stings.

From Brine to Shine: The Step-by-Step

Right, here we go. Five easy steps between you and the Best Fried Chicken Recipe .

  1. Brine Time: Mix buttermilk, salt, sugar, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce. Submerge chicken; refrigerate for 2- 4 hours . Trust me, that brine is the magic.
  2. Dredge It Real Good: Combine flour, cornstarch, spices. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again.
  3. Heat 'Er Up: Heat oil to 325- 350° F (160- 175° C) in a big pot. Keep an eye on that temp, it is critical.
  4. Fry, Fry, Fry: Carefully lower chicken into hot oil. Fry for 6- 8 minutes per side. Look for that golden brown colour.
  5. Rest and Rejoice: Remove and drain on a wire rack. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes . That’s it. You'll get amazing results, maybe even Gus’s Fried Chicken level.

Pro Tips for Epic Fried Chicken

Want to take your fried chicken game to the next level? These are my secrets for extra awesome results:

  • Expert technique: Double dredging is the way to go! It's the key to that ridiculously crispy coating.
  • Common mistake: Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Don't do it!
  • Make-ahead option: Dredge the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Don't feel limited, use the Fried Chicken Ingredients that you like the most. With or without buttermilk, it's your choice on this Fried Chicken Recipe Southern .

And that's it! you've officially unlocked the secret to incredible buttermilk fried chicken . get cooking, and let me know how it goes! seriously, i want to see pictures.

And feel free to experiment to create the extra crispy fried chicken wings of your dreams.

Cluck Yeah! The Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken presentation

Alright, let's talk buttermilk fried chicken ! i reckon you might have tried plenty of so-called "best ever" recipes, yeah? but honestly , most of them just don't cut the mustard.

They lack that special something, that extra crispy fried chicken goodness that makes your taste buds sing. fear not, though! this section is all about making sure your clucking good creation is an absolute triumph.

Recipe Notes for Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Think of these as your cheat sheet for Best Fried Chicken Recipe .

Plating and Presentation: Make It Instagrammable!

Listen, we eat with our eyes first, right? so, ditch the boring plate. plating is key to make the extra crispy fried chicken wings shine! arrange your golden-brown beauties artfully.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge adds that chef's kiss . for sides, pile 'em high and strategically place your sauces so they don't run all over the plate.

Complementary Sides and Beverages

My nan always said, "good food needs good company." mashed potatoes and gravy are a classic. coleslaw adds a creamy crunch.

Corn on the cob? bang on. don't forget a frosty glass of sweet tea or maybe a cheeky pint of beer.

It all depends on your preference, innit?

Storage Tips: Keep That Chicken Clucking Good!

Right, so you've made a batch of extra crispy fried chicken recipe and, by some miracle, there's some left over. Here’s how to keep it tip-top.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Pop that Fried Chicken Recipe Southern in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Use an airtight container, and it'll be good for 3-4 days. Easy peasy.

Freezing Options

Freezing buttermilk fried chicken is a bit tricky but doable. Wrap each piece individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag. It'll last up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

The oven's your best bet for reheating. 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15- 20 minutes should do the trick.

A little tip, spray a bit of oil on it before reheating so it can get as close to the extra crispy fried chicken as possible.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a twist? Of course, you do!

Dietary Adaptations

Need a gluten-free version? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Want it a bit healthier? Try baking the chicken instead of frying – but honestly , it won't be the same, will it?

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

In summer, a herby lemon marinade before brining adds a summery zing. For autumn, think about adding a touch of smoked paprika to the flour for a comforting, smoky flavour.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling the Body and Soul

Okay, let’s face it. this isn’t exactly health food. but everything in moderation, yeah? a portion of this best fried chicken recipe crispy without buttermilk (should you choose to adapt) packs a hefty dose of protein, which is great for muscle building and feeling full.

But remember, it's also high in fat and calories, so maybe don't have it every day.

Key Health Benefits

Chicken is a good source of niacin and selenium. Plus, let's be honest, a good plate of Gus’s Fried Chicken is a huge mood booster!

So there you have it! everything you need to know to make sure your buttermilk fried chicken is absolutely banging.

Get in the kitchen, give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment. and remember those key fried chicken ingredients .

Now go on, get clucking!

Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe: Cluck Yeah Deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the big deal about brining the chicken in buttermilk for buttermilk fried chicken? Is it really necessary?

Absolutely! The buttermilk brine is what separates okay fried chicken from "Cluck Yeah! This is amazing!" fried chicken. The buttermilk's acidity tenderizes the chicken, ensuring a juicy interior, while the salt and seasonings penetrate deep into the meat, adding flavour. Think of it like giving your chicken a spa day before its big debut – it comes out relaxed, flavourful, and ready to be the star.

Can I make buttermilk fried chicken ahead of time? How should I store it?

While freshly fried is always best, you can definitely make it ahead. Allow the chicken to cool completely on a wire rack, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy again, or re-fry for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the chicken soggy – nobody wants that!

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

Crispy chicken is the holy grail, isn't it? Several factors could be at play. Firstly, ensure your oil temperature is consistent – between 325-350°F (160-175°C). Frying at too low a temperature will result in soggy chicken. Secondly, don't overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature. Finally, make sure your chicken is thoroughly coated in the flour mixture, using a double-dredging technique for extra crispiness, it will give you a delightfully thick crust.

I don't have buttermilk. What can I use as a substitute for this buttermilk fried chicken recipe?

No buttermilk? No worries! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This creates a similar acidity to buttermilk and works wonders for tenderizing the chicken. Another alternative could be plain yogurt thinned with a little milk to achieve a buttermilk-like consistency.

Is buttermilk fried chicken healthy? What are some ways to make it a bit healthier?

Let's be honest, deep-fried chicken isn't exactly a health food, but everything in moderation, right? To make it healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it (though it won't be quite the same), or use an air fryer. You can also trim excess fat from the chicken before brining, use whole wheat flour for the coating, and choose a healthier oil like avocado oil for frying. Remember to balance your meal with plenty of vegetables!

Can I add different spices to the flour mixture to customize my buttermilk fried chicken?

Absolutely! That's the beauty of cooking - making it your own. Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (for a kick!), dried thyme, oregano, or even a dash of chili powder can all add unique flavors to your fried chicken. Think of your spice rack as your culinary playground. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your liking.


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