![- Chicken: 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - Chicken: 4 chicken drumsticks, skin-on - Buttermilk: 2 cups - Hot sauce: 2 teaspoons (optional) - All-purpose flour: 2 cups - Paprika: 1 tablespoon - Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon - Onion powder: 1 teaspoon - Cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon - Salt: 1 teaspoon - Black pepper: ½ teaspoon - Recommended types of oil for frying: vegetable or canola oil The key to crispy fried chicken lies in these ingredients. You want juicy chicken that tastes amazing. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. The optional hot sauce gives it a nice kick, but you can skip it if you prefer. For the dry seasoning, each spice plays a role. Paprika adds color and a hint of sweetness. Garlic and onion powders give depth. Cayenne makes it spicy, while salt and black pepper round out the taste. Choosing the right oil is important, too. Vegetable or canola oil works best because they have high smoke points. This means they can get really hot without burning. Once you gather these ingredients, you’re on your way to making Extra Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken. For the full recipe, check out the section below. To start, you need to marinate the chicken. This step is key for flavor. I mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. You can skip the hot sauce if you want it mild. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks into the buttermilk. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. For the best taste, let it soak overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets. Next, we prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, I combine the flour and spices. You’ll need paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This mix will give your chicken that tasty crunch. Once ready, set it aside until the chicken is marinated. Now, let’s heat the oil. In a large skillet, pour in enough oil for frying. Aim for about 2 inches deep. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer helps keep the right temperature. If the oil is too cool, the chicken won't crisp up. If it's too hot, it may burn. When the oil is ready, coat the chicken. Remove a piece from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge it in your flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any extra flour and place it on a wire rack. Repeat this until all pieces are coated. Fry the chicken in batches. Place the first two pieces in the hot oil carefully. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures they cook evenly. Fry them for about 12 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is golden brown, it’s time to drain it. Transfer the fried pieces to a wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps them crispy, as excess oil drips away. Repeat the frying process until all chicken is cooked. When finished, let the chicken rest for around 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle. For a beautiful presentation, serve it on a rustic wooden platter. Pair it with homemade coleslaw and pickles for a complete meal. For the full recipe, refer to the Extra Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken section. To get that extra crispy coating, follow these tips: - Use Buttermilk: Soaking chicken in buttermilk makes it tender and juicy. - Dredge Twice: Coat the chicken, let it rest, and then coat again for more crunch. - Use Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with flour. This adds an extra layer of crispiness. - Hot Oil: Ensure the oil is hot, around 350°F (175°C). This seals the coating fast. Avoid these common mistakes: - Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and the chicken crispy. - Skipping the Rest: Let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the coating stick. - Not Draining: Always place fried chicken on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess from steam. Pair your fried chicken with these sides: - Homemade Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess complement the chicken well. - Pickles: Their tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. - Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are a classic partner to fried chicken. - Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fresh touch to your meal. For the full recipe, click [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} To add some heat to your fried chicken, spice up the buttermilk. Here’s how to do it: - Add 2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the buttermilk. - You can use your favorite brand or even make your own. - This gives the chicken a nice kick without overpowering the flavor. You can also mix in a bit of cayenne pepper into the flour for extra spice. Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you want a healthier option, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Here’s how: 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 3. Arrange the coated chicken on the sheet without crowding. 4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy skin with less oil. It’s a win-win! Many regions have their own take on fried chicken. Here are a few to explore: - Nashville Hot Chicken: This version uses a spicy paste made with cayenne and oil. - Korean Fried Chicken: This style is double-fried and often glazed with a sweet sauce. - Southern Fried Chicken: Often features a mix of herbs and spices for deep flavor. Each variation brings something unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To keep your fried chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from ruining the crispy coating. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Reheating fried chicken can be tricky. You want to regain that delicious crispiness. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave; it makes the chicken soggy. Freezing fried chicken is easy. First, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your crispy delight later! For the full recipe, check out the Extra Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken! Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor, I suggest overnight. This time allows the buttermilk to tenderize the meat. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins, giving you juicy chicken. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, thighs and drumsticks stay juicier. Breasts can dry out quicker due to less fat. If you choose breasts, check for doneness earlier. Use a meat thermometer for safety. I recommend vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which is great for frying. They also have a neutral flavor, letting the chicken shine. Avoid oils like olive oil, as they burn easily. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. For the full experience, don't forget to check out the Full Recipe! In this article, we explored the key ingredients and steps for perfect fried chicken. You learned about marinating, preparing coatings, and cooking techniques. We covered tips for crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. You also found variations for different tastes and storage tips to keep your chicken fresh. Remember, great fried chicken takes practice and care. Try these methods to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Enjoy your delicious fried chicken adventure!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5c24f733-a40f-4c95-9f4e-d47e5ce89184-300x300.webp)
Extra Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Extra Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe! Perfectly marinated and coated, these juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks are fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunch you won’t forget. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your mealtime into a feast everyone will love!