Homestyle Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe captures the classic crispy and flavorful fried chicken that’s beloved by many. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a fragrant seasoned flour blend, it offers a perfect balance of spices and crunch for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups buttermilk (see note)
• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup ground paprika
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with all the seasonings: paprika, kosher salt, dry mustard, white pepper, ground ginger, dried thyme, dried basil, black pepper, dried oregano, celery salt, and garlic powder.
4. Step 4: In a deep fryer or large Dutch oven, heat 3 to 4 inches of canola oil to 350°F over medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
6. Step 6: Dredge the chicken firmly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated.
7. Step 7: Carefully place the coated chicken piece into the hot oil and fry for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Transfer the fried chicken to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Step 9: Repeat the dredging and frying steps with the remaining chicken pieces, frying 3 to 4 pieces at a time to prevent overcrowding the oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use buttermilk for marinating to tenderize the chicken and add a subtle tang.
• For extra crispy skin, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again before frying.
• Adjust the spice blend according to your taste, adding cayenne pepper for more heat if desired.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even cooking and to avoid greasy chicken.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to help retain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs or breasts. Adjust frying time accordingly, as boneless pieces will cook faster than bone-in.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Homestyle Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

This classic Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful blend of spices and flour, then deep-fried to crispy, golden perfection. A traditional Southern favorite that delivers a crunchy exterior with juicy, well-seasoned meat inside.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1¾ cups buttermilk
• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)

Coating

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup ground paprika
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Frying

• Canola oil (for frying, about 3-4 inches deep)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl, then add the chicken pieces. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
2. Mix the Seasoned Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with paprika, kosher salt, dry mustard, white pepper, ground ginger, dried thyme, dried basil, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, celery salt, and garlic powder. Stir well to blend the spices evenly throughout the flour.
3. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or a large Dutch oven placed over medium-high heat, fill with about 3-4 inches of canola oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain accurate temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Press the piece firmly into the seasoned flour mixture ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 pieces at a time, cooking each piece for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn occasionally for even cooking.
6. Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
7. Repeat: Continue dredging and frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches until all are cooked.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses flavor deeply.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor oil temperature for crispy, non-greasy chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the fryer to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning in the flour mixture to taste for spicier or milder chicken.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC style fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken recipe