Real Deal Buttermilk Fried Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, juicy chicken with a true buttermilk brine that delivers authentic Southern flavor in every bite. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 260 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on 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 720 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.

★ 3.8 (9 ratings) Prep: 240 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 720 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 lbs chicken thighs, ensuring full submersion, and refrigerate for 4 hours (or overnight) to achieve authentic brine penetration.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy). Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil, resting for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Real Deal Buttermilk Fried Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (240 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 Real Deal 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 Real Deal 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 Real Deal 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 Real Deal Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes