Chef John's Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This buttermilk fried chicken recipe results in chicken that’s wonderfully crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this buttermilk fried chicken recipe: 

• For the chicken: Whole chicken (cut into eight pieces), seasonings (black pepper, salt, paprika, white pepper, dried rosemary, ground thyme, dried oregano, dried sage, and cayenne pepper), and buttermilk  
• For the seasoned flour: all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, white pepper, and onion powder)

You’ll also need peanut oil for frying. 

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade buttermilk fried chicken: 

1. Toss the chicken pieces in seasonings, then marinate in buttermilk overnight.
2. Make the seasoned flour. 
3. Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in flour and transfer to a plate.
4. Fry the chicken until an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees F. 
5. Drain on a cooling rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. 

What Does Buttermilk Do for Fried Chicken? 

Marinating your chicken in buttermilk not only adds tangy flavor, it helps tenderize the meat and the acidity ensures a crispy exterior. 

Can You Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk for Fried Chicken? 

No. Using milk instead of buttermilk will not have the same effect. However, it’s easy enough to make buttermilk at home. 

How to Make Buttermilk for Fried Chicken

To make homemade buttermilk, simply add two tablespoons of lemon juice to two cups of milk. You can use vinegar instead of lemon juice, if you prefer. 

What to Serve With Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Check out our collection of 15 Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken for delicious serving inspiration. Here's are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find:

• Yellow Squash Casserole
• Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese
• Al's Sufferin' Succotash

How to Store Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Let the fried chicken cool, then place it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise 

“This was a very good and easy to follow recipe,” raves walshpj. “I used boneless chicken breasts, so I adjusted the cooking time. My family loved it.”

“Great fried chicken,” according to Glen C. “This was the first time I've tried to fry chicken and it came out beautifully. I did increase the seasonings, only because I like spicy food (I used a tablespoon of cayenne pepper) and it turned out terrific.”

“DELICIOUS,” says CookingJewel. “Moist, flavorful chicken with a tasty, crispy coating. WOW! We enjoyed this recipe so much, it's a keeper!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams