Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spiced Aioli

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

Crispy fried chicken soaked in a tangy buttermilk brine, served with a rich, spicy aioli perfect for dipping. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, buttermilk, hot sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 40 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce. Add 8 bone-in chicken thighs and submerge completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk brine, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere well.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F, enough to submerge chicken halfway. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare spiced aioli by whisking together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve fried chicken hot with spiced aioli on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Spiced 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

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

Southern 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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