Buttermilk-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy fried chicken with a buttermilk brine and a fragrant herb dust finish for elevated comfort food. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs and drumsticks, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 lbs chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1.5 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Whisk in 1/4 cup dried parsley and 1 tbsp dried chives.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 quarts vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Drain on a wire rack and sprinkle with any remaining herb dust before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust?

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 chicken thighs and drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust?

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-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust 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-Marinated Fried Chicken with Herb Dust?

American 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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