Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spiced Cajun Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy southern fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a bold Cajun spice blend for a flavorful, crispy crust. This american southern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, buttermilk, paprika 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then add the 3 pounds of chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp salt to create the Cajun spiced coating.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere the coating well.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to reach 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  5. Step 5: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp. Serve hot with your favorite Southern sides.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Fried Chicken with Spiced Cajun Rub?

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 Rub?

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 Rub 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 Cajun Rub?

American 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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