Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Total Time: 3+ hours | Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: 629

Tender chicken pieces marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated with a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection for a mouthwatering crunch. Serve up this classic comfort dish alongside homemade mac and cheese with your favorite dipping sauces.

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DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients: buttermilk, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, & 2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.

STEP 2
Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture, tossing to evenly coat the pieces. Cover with foil and let soak in the fridge for 2-4 hours. 

STEP 3
In a medium bowl or shallow dish, combine the following dry ingredients: flour, breadcrumbs, & 2 tsp each of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 

STEP 4
Preheat oven to 350°F.

STEP 5
Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture and dredge in the flour and seasoning mix - pressing down so the crumbs evenly coat all sides of the chicken. Let dredged chicken stand for 25-30 minutes before deep frying.

STEP 6
Fry the chicken pieces in oil until golden brown (about 10 minutes), adding one piece at at time to the oil and flipping the chicken halfway. Remove from oil and double fry the chicken, if desired, for a crispier finish. Set finished pieces on a wire rack.

STEP 7
Bake the chicken in the oven for an additional  20-30 minutes on 350°F until fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F. 

STEP 8
Remove fried chicken from oven, let stand for 5 minutes, and serve alongside mac and cheese, green beans, or your favorite southern side dish. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

629 calories | 54.3g protein | 5.3g carbs | 43.5g fat

INGREDIENTS

4 lbs skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs)
3 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp salt
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup canola or vegetable oil

FLOUR & SEASONING DREDGE
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
2 ground black pepper