Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSouthern Food CompanyButtermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Time3h
Serves4

Served with house-made pickles and a side of ranch

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Ingredients

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Chicken Marinade

Breading

Pickles

Ranch Dressing

Method

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.

  2. 2

    Add Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Making the Breading

  1. 3

    Mix the Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.

Preparing the Pickles

  1. 4

    Combine Ingredients

    In a medium saucepan, combine sliced cucumbers, white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and dill weed.

  2. 5

    Bring to a Simmer

    Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve, then remove from heat. Let it cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Making the Ranch Dressing

  1. 6

    Mix the Dressing

    In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Frying the Chicken

  1. 7

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 8

    Coat the Chicken

    Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated.

  3. 9

    Fry the Chicken

    Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

  4. 10

    Drain and Rest

    Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

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