Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Cajun Seasoning

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken pieces soaked in a tangy buttermilk brine and coated in a flavorful Cajun-spiced crust for a crispy, tender bite. This american southern-inspired chicken ready in about 285 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 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: 270 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce. Submerge 8 bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a seasoned dredge.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk brine, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick coating.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches, carefully lowering pieces into the hot oil.
  5. Step 5: Cook each batch for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 165°F. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 285 minutes (270 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Cajun Seasoning?

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 Spicy Cajun Seasoning?

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 Spicy Cajun Seasoning 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 Spicy Cajun Seasoning?

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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