Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spiced Cajun Gravy

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

Juicy fried chicken brined in tangy buttermilk and served with a rich, spicy Cajun-style gravy that brings Southern comfort to your table. This southern soul food-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs buttermilk, tablespoons hot sauce, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Southern Soul Food cuisine 550 cal/serving

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Ingredients

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
3 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
enough to fill 3 inches in skillet vegetable oil for frying
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for gravy
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1/4 cup heavy cream

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups buttermilk and 2 tablespoons hot sauce. Submerge 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Step 2: In a separate large shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper for the coating.
Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk brine, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Set aside on a wire rack.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, filling about 3 inches deep. Carefully fry chicken pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: For the gravy, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and nutty.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens and is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 2 more minutes until rich and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve the fried chicken hot, generously topped with the spiced Cajun gravy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spiced Cajun Gravy 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 Cajun Gravy?

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 buttermilk from drying out.

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

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 Cajun Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cajun Gravy?

Southern Soul Food 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.