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Classic Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

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Pixicook editorial team

A traditional recipe for crispy buttermilk-marinated fried chicken with a golden-brown coating.

Ingredients for Classic Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Chicken, cut into 10 pieces

0 lb

Kosher Salt

tablespoons

How to Make Classic Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least an hour, or as long as overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl or a large paper bag, mix together the flour with the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. This mix will be your coating for the chicken.

3. Heat the Oil

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet with the oil, to a depth of a few inches. Over medium-high heat, warm the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Coat the Chicken

One at a time, place the chicken pieces into the flour mixture. Shake the bag or toss in the bowl to coat each piece evenly. Tap off any excess flour.

5. Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken in batches, skin-side down first, to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 to 15 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color as an indicator rather than time.

6. Turn and Brown

Remove the lid, turn the chicken pieces over, and continue to cook for another 5 to 15 minutes, uncovered. Again, aim for a deep golden brown and ensure it's cooked through.

7. Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Lightly season with additional salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Cooking Method Variants

Air-Fried Crispy Chicken . Use an air fryer to cook the breaded chicken pieces, which uses less oil but still offers a crispy texture.

Flavor Variants

Southern-Fried Chicken . Stick to a traditional Southern buttermilk marinade with added hot sauce, and serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens, or coleslaw.

Cheesy Crust

Parmesan

Cooking Method Variants

Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken . For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a hot oven until crispy and cooked through.

Sweet and Savory

Honey

Pitfalls and tips

Brining is Key

Allow the chicken to brine in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Proper Frying Temperature

Heat oil to around 350°F and use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for a perfect crust without burning.

Don't Overcrowd

Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Season Generously

Ensure your buttermilk brine and flour coating are well-seasoned with a variety of spices for depth of flavor.

Drain Well

Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to prevent sogginess and retain crispiness.

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