Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, golden-brown chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating, marinated in buttermilk for tender results. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 145 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 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour 2 cups buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) to marinate.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Shake off excess flour.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 375°F). Carefully add chicken in a single layer without crowding.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 12-15 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (120 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Crispy Buttermilk Chicken?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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