Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spiced Cajun Gravy

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

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 recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, buttermilk, hot sauce 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

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this chicken with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.