Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices

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

Juicy fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, perfect for a Mardi Gras feast. This Southern American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs chicken drumsticks, buttermilk, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp black pepper until well combined. Add 8 chicken drumsticks and submerge completely; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large shallow dish, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tsp paprika and a pinch of salt for dredging.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Remove each drumstick from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Fry the chicken in batches, maintaining oil temperature at 325-350°F, cooking each piece for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices?

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 Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices?

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 Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices 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 Fried Chicken with Cajun Spices?

Southern American mardi gras 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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