Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli

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

Tender, juicy fried chicken brined in buttermilk, coated with a crunchy seasoned crust and served with a zesty homemade spicy aioli. This Southern American-inspired Mother’s Day recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs chicken drumsticks, buttermilk, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 8 chicken drumsticks. Submerge chicken completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a seasoned dredge.
  3. Step 3: Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: While the chicken fries, prepare the spicy aioli by whisking together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve hot with a side of spicy aioli for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli?

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 drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli?

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 Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli 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 Buttermilk-Brined Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Aioli?

Southern American mother’s day 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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