Want crispy, golden, and juicy Southern fried chicken with the perfect crunch? This easy buttermilk fried chicken recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to a tangy buttermilk marinade, a well-seasoned flour coating, and a touch of heat! Whether you’re making fried chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings, this method guarantees restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients: • 6 chicken thighs & 4 drumsticks • 2 cups buttermilk • 4 tbsp hot sauce • 4 tbsp pickle juice • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch!) • 1 tbsp seasoning salt • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp chicken bouillon • 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tbsp baking powder • Oil for frying
Instructions: 1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken: • In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, and pickle juice. • Add the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best flavor). 2️⃣ Prepare the Coating: • In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, seasoning salt, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. 3️⃣ Dredge the Chicken: • Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. • Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mix, pressing it in to ensure a crispy crust. • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes so the coating sticks better. 4️⃣ Fry the Chicken: • Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. • Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). 5️⃣ Drain & Serve: • Remove chicken and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain. • Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in.