Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Southern fried chicken soaked in a spiced buttermilk brine and fried to a golden, crispy finish with a memorable Memphis heat. This southern-inspired latin american ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs and drumsticks, buttermilk, hot sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups buttermilk and 1/4 cup hot sauce; submerge 3 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse heat.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper for the seasoned dredge.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk brine, letting excess drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F.
  5. Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 12-15 minutes per batch until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp, serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine?

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 Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine?

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 Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spicy Memphis-Style Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Brine?

Southern latin american 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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