Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a kick of flavor. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in, this recipe stands out with its unique marinade and seasoning blend. You’ll find it’s not just a meal but an experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double-dipping technique ensures a crunchy coating every time.
• Flavorful Marinade: Soaking the chicken in spicy buttermilk infuses it with rich flavor and tenderness.
• Versatile Dish: Great for picnics, family dinners, or game day celebrations.
• Easy to Follow: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken is sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large resealable bag
• Deep Dutch oven pot
• Frying/candy thermometer
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Large resealable bag: Ideal for marinating chicken, ensuring even coverage of flavor.
• Deep Dutch oven pot: Provides consistent heat for frying, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken.
• Frying/candy thermometer: Helps maintain the oil temperature for optimal frying results.
• Cooling rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the chicken while keeping it crispy.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2 and 1/2 quarts cooking oil, for frying
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons celery salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Coating

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 of the seasoning blend (above)

For Marinating Chicken

• 2 quarts (8 cups) full-fat buttermilk
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3-4 tablespoons Kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons black peppercorns

Chicken

• (3 and 1/2 – 4 lbs) whole chicken, cut into 10-12 pieces

How to Make Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large resealable bag, combine the buttermilk, sliced onions, sliced garlic, hot sauce, salt, and black peppercorns.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the bag. Seal it tightly while pressing out as much air as possible. Rub the marinade into the chicken to ensure all pieces are submerged. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 6-12 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Mix Seasonings

In a small bowl, mix all of the spices until well combined.

Step 4: Prep Chicken for Coating

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Shake off any excess marinade and place onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the seasoning blend on both sides of each piece.

Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and the remaining half of your seasoning blend until well combined.

Step 6: Coat Chicken

Pour the flour mixture into an extra-large resealable bag or paper bag. Add all chicken pieces inside. Seal the bag and shake well to coat each piece evenly. Place coated chicken back on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Prepare Egg Wash

In a medium bowl, beat together eggs until pale. Add buttermilk and hot sauce; mix until well combined then stir in garlic powder.

Step 8: Dip Chicken Again

Dip each piece of coated chicken into the egg mixture. Shake off excess liquid before returning it to flour mixture for another coat.

Step 9: Heat Oil

Pour cooking oil into your deep Dutch oven pot and attach a frying/candy thermometer to monitor temperature. Heat until oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in some flour; if it sizzles gently, your oil is ready.

Step 10: Fry Chicken

Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and place a cooling rack on top. Carefully add chicken pieces to hot oil in batches—dark meat together and white meat together—frying for about 13-16 minutes (16-20 minutes for dark meat). Ensure internal temperature hits at least 160°F; if not done, preheat your oven to 350°F to finish cooking.

Step 11: Drain Excess Oil

Once fried, place chicken on cooling rack to drain excess oil. Return oil temperature back up to 350°F before frying remaining batches.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy

Allow fried chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Serving Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. The crispy, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with different sides and garnishes, making for a feast everyone will enjoy.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of fried chicken.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add another layer of texture and flavor.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, this sauce balances the heat of the chicken.

Add Some Bread

• Buttered Buns: Soft buns are perfect for making mini sandwiches with the fried chicken.
• Cornbread: This sweet and moist bread is an excellent side that adds Southern charm to your meal.

Include Pickled Veggies

• Pickles: Their acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken, providing a zesty bite.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who want an extra kick, these add both heat and flavor.

How to Perfect Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Perfecting Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken involves attention to detail in preparation and cooking. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold marination time: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight ensures deep flavor penetration.
• Crispy coating technique: Double dipping in flour after the egg mixture creates an extra crispy crust.
• Right oil temperature: Maintaining oil at 350°F prevents greasy chicken; too low will soak up oil, while too high burns the crust.
• Batch frying: Frying in smaller batches keeps the oil temperature consistent and ensures even cooking.
• Resting time post-frying: Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when you serve.
• Use a thermometer: Checking internal temperature guarantees that your chicken is cooked through without being dry.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Complement your Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with some delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance against spicy flavors. Top with gravy for added richness.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy dish is always a favorite; its creaminess pairs well with crispy chicken.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a juicy crunch; grill or boil it with butter for maximum enjoyment.
4. Baked Beans: Smoky-sweet baked beans offer a hearty touch, balancing spice with their rich flavor profile.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes: These crispy bites provide a tart contrast that complements fried chicken perfectly.
6. Collard Greens: Slightly bitter greens sautéed with garlic offer a nutritious option alongside your meal.
7. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad adds creaminess and freshness to your plate, enhancing overall satisfaction.
8. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; consider seasoned fries or sweet potato fries for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken, even small errors can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Marination: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to less flavorful meat. Always marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Not Using Enough Oil: Using insufficient oil may result in uneven cooking. Ensure your pot is filled with enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Placing too many pieces in the pot can lower the oil temperature, yielding greasy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain optimal temperature and crispiness.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 160 degrees F for safe consumption.
• Inconsistent Coating: Unevenly coating the chicken will affect texture and taste. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in both flour and egg mixture for a crispy finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Reheat within a few days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight bag or container.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until crispy and warm.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through, but expect less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil. Cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken spicy?

The combination of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and other spices creates its signature heat.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Boneless pieces can work well; just adjust frying time accordingly.

How do I achieve extra crispy skin?

Double-coating your chicken by dipping it in the egg mixture twice before flouring will enhance crispiness.

What should I serve with Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken?

This dish pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper according to your preference for a milder or spicier dish.

Conclusion

Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken offers irresistible crunch, juiciness, and bold flavors that everyone will love. This versatile recipe allows you to customize spice levels and pairings, making it perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Don’t hesitate—give it a try!

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