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A plate of golden-brown buttermilk fried chicken pieces, perfectly crispy.

Best way to grow crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken in 5 steps

This recipe outlines the best method to achieve perfectly crispy buttermilk fried chicken. With just 5 simple steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 chicken pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • shallow dish
  • whisk
  • large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
  • meat thermometer
  • wire rack
  • paper towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl, pour buttermilk over them, and ensure all pieces are coated; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Dredging
  1. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating.
Frying Setup
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove fried chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil before serving hot.

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider a double-dredge: after the first dredge, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk briefly, then dredge again in the flour mixture. Make sure your oil temperature remains consistent throughout the frying process to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more spice if desired.