True Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp, juicy fried chicken with a perfectly seasoned buttermilk brine, honoring classic Southern traditions. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 63 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 420 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring full coverage, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) (oil should shimmer but not smoke). Fry chicken in batches for 12-14 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning once. Drain on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 63 minutes (45 min prep + 18 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 True 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 True 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 True 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 True Southern-Style 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.

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