How do You make buttermilk fried chicken?

How Do You Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

Buttermilk fried chicken is a Southern classic that has gained popularity worldwide for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The secret to achieving this mouthwatering dish lies in the marinade and cooking process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make authentic buttermilk fried chicken at home.

What is Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

Buttermilk fried chicken is a type of fried chicken that uses buttermilk as a marinade to tenderize the chicken and add flavor. The buttermilk mixture is a combination of buttermilk, spices, and herbs that helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. The chicken is then dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to a crispy golden brown.

Ingredients:

To make buttermilk fried chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, and breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade

• In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until they are fully coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, and salt.
• Add the black pepper and any other seasonings you like (such as cayenne pepper or dried herbs).

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour coating, shaking off any excess.
• Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

• Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
• Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches a golden brown and crispy exterior.
• Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Tips and Variations:

• Double-Frying: For extra crispy chicken, try double-frying the chicken. Fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Spice It Up: Add some heat to your buttermilk fried chicken by using spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Try Different Oils: Experiment with different oils like peanut oil or avocado oil for a unique flavor.
• Make it Extra Crispy: Add some cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs to the flour coating for an extra crispy exterior.

Conclusion:

Making buttermilk fried chicken is a simple process that requires some patience and attention to detail. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of buttermilk fried chicken!

Recipe Table:

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the buttermilk marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the flour coating and set aside.
3. Dredge the chicken in the flour coating and place on a plate or tray.
4. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!