Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe and 8 Tasty Dipping Sauce Ideas

You will love this buttermilk fried chicken recipe because it's soft, juicy, flavorful, and still very easy to make at home.

Ingredients

- 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)

- 2 cups buttermilk

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- Cooking oil for frying

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well so the spices spread evenly in the liquid.

2. Add the chicken pieces into the bowl. Make sure every piece is fully covered with the buttermilk mixture. This step helps soften the meat and adds flavor deep inside.

3. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak for at least 4 hours. For better taste and texture, you can leave it overnight. Longer soaking helps the buttermilk work properly.

4. When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly when frying.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This seasoned mixture creates a flavorful and crispy outer layer, so stir well until everything is evenly combined.

6. Take one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk. Let the extra liquid drip off, but do not wipe it completely. The light moisture helps the flour stick better.

7. Coat the chicken with the flour mixture. Press the flour gently onto the chicken to create a thick and even coating. Shake off extra flour before frying.

8. Heat oil in a deep pan or pot. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test it by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

9. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken greasy.

10. Fry the chicken slowly, turning it from time to time. Cook until the outside is golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

11. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting helps keep the coating crisp and the meat juicy.

Follow these helpful tips to improve your buttermilk fried chicken recipe and avoid common cooking mistakes.

- Control the oil temperature: Keep the heat steady while frying so the chicken cooks evenly inside while forming a golden crust without burning or absorbing excess oil.

- Use a wire rack after frying: Placing chicken on a wire rack allows hot air to move around each piece, helping the crust stay crisp instead of turning soft underneath.

- Season the flour well: Adding spices to the flour mixture ensures flavor in every bite, not just on the surface, creating a balanced taste with each crunchy layer.

- Fry in small batches: Cooking fewer pieces at one time keeps the oil temperature stable, helping each chicken piece fry evenly and develop a crisp texture.

- Rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after frying helps the juices settle inside the meat, keeping it moist while the coating stays crunchy.

A good sauce can make this dish even better. These sauce ideas pair well with a classic buttermilk fried chicken recipe and are easy to prepare at home.

- Honey mustard sauce: Mix honey, mustard, and a little mayonnaise. This sauce gives a sweet and tangy taste that matches the crispy chicken well.

- Creamy garlic sauce: Combine mayonnaise, crushed garlic, and a small squeeze of lemon juice. The smooth texture and light garlic flavor add richness.

- Spicy chili sauce: Mix chili sauce with a bit of vinegar and sugar. This option is great for people who enjoy heat with their fried food.

- Ranch-style dip: Blend mayonnaise, yogurt, and dried herbs. This cool and creamy dip balances the crunchy texture of the chicken.

- Barbecue sauce: A smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce adds depth and a bold taste that works well with fried chicken.

- Lemon pepper sauce: Mix melted butter with lemon juice and cracked black pepper. This sauce adds a fresh, light taste that cuts through the crispy coating.

- Nashville-style hot sauce: Mix hot oil from frying with cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and a little garlic powder. This sauce adds bold heat and deep flavor.

- Spicy honey sauce: Stir honey with a small amount of hot sauce. This sauce offers a balance of sweetness and heat that enhances every bite of fried chicken.

With the right steps, helpful tips, and tasty sauces, this buttermilk fried chicken recipe can become a favorite meal in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious result.