Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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

Crispy, golden chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and seasoned with classic Southern spices, delivering authentic flavor with a perfectly tender interior. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully submerged, and marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy. Carefully add chicken in a single layer without crowding, and fry for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet, and let rest for 5 minutes to crisp further. Serve hot with buttermilk biscuits.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 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 Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

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 Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

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 Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken 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 Genuine Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

Southern 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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