Authentic Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Crispy, golden chicken with a perfectly balanced buttermilk marinade and spice rub, honoring the true technique of Southern kitchens where patience and precise frying make all the difference. This Southern American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 255 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 240 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then place in a bowl and cover completely with buttermilk. Refrigerate for 4 hours (or overnight) to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, and cayenne until uniformly colored. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain temperature. Fry chicken in batches for 12-14 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drain. Rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal the crust.

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