Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli

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

Golden, crunchy fried chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk with a bright dill aioli for a restaurant-quality meal in 30 minutes. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 1 cup buttermilk with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add 1 lb chicken thighs, coating well.
  2. Step 2: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) for maximum tenderness.
  3. Step 3: Mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika in a shallow dish.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (350°F).
  6. Step 6: Fry chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Step 7: While chicken fries, whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice for aioli.
  8. Step 8: Drain fried chicken on paper towels, serve immediately with dill aioli on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli 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 Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli?

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 Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Dill Aioli?

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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