Plate of Chef John's Buttermilk Fried Chicken garnished with herbs

Chef John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a classic dish loved by many. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a perfect comfort food. Using buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a delicious flavor. This recipe is great for family gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

how to make Chef John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 (3 1/2) pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 1/2 quarts peanut oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with black pepper, salt, paprika, white pepper, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and cayenne in a large bowl.
  3. Stir in the buttermilk until the chicken is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 hours.
  5. In a large shallow dish, mix flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, white pepper, and onion powder together.
  6. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess flour and place the chicken on a plate.
  7. Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  8. Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 10 minutes.
  9. Turn the chicken pieces and fry for another 10 to 15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken near the bone reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  10. Transfer the fried chicken to a cooling rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
  11. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Chef John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Serve your Buttermilk Fried Chicken hot and crispy. It pairs well with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue or ranch dressing.

how to store Chef John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through to keep the skin crispy.

tips to make Chef John’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken

  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the buttermilk.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot while frying. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.

variation

You can spice things up by adding different herbs or spices to the flour mixture, like onion powder or even some chili powder for a kick. You can also try other types of oil for frying, like vegetable or canola oil, instead of peanut oil.

FAQs

Q: Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but it may not be as crispy as skin-on chicken.

Q: Is it possible to use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
A: You can make a substitute for buttermilk by mixing regular milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Q: Can I freeze leftover fried chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover fried chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.