Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust
Crispy, golden chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour blend, delivering tender meat with a perfect crunch. This southern american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 55 minutes pairs (skin-on, bone-in) 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (skin-on, bone-in) chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 2 cups buttermilk, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Add 2 lbs chicken thighs, ensuring full submersion, and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 24 hours refrigerated).
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, shaking off excess, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer). Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust?
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 Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust?
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 Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust 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 Johnson's Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Crust?
Southern American kid friendly 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
