Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Hot Sauce
Juicy fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a crispy seasoned batter, served with a homemade Southern-inspired hot sauce. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs), buttermilk, hot sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- enough for 2-inch deep frying vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp additional hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups buttermilk and 1/4 cup hot sauce. Add 3 lbs chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Step 2: In a large shallow dish, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated, then set aside on a wire rack for 10 minutes to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F, enough to submerge chicken pieces about 2 inches deep.
- Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over low heat, then whisk in 1 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp additional hot sauce until smooth.
- Step 7: Brush the spicy butter glaze over the fried chicken pieces just before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Hot Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Hot Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Hot Sauce?
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 Hot Sauce 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 Spicy Hot Sauce?
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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