Crispy, Juicy, and Golden: The Only Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe You Need

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—this Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the ultimate Southern comfort food! Marinated in tangy buttermilk, seasoned to perfection, and fried to golden perfection, this recipe delivers the crispiest, most flavorful chicken drumsticks you’ll ever taste.

Side view of buttermilk fried chicken on a grey plate.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Extra Juicy & Flavorful: The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a delicious tang.
  • Crispy & Golden Brown: A perfectly seasoned flour coating ensures crunch in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it for dinner, at a picnic, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients placed on a grey surface.

Chicken Drumsticks: This cut stays juicy and flavorful while developing a perfectly crispy crust. You can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs also.

Buttermilk: It acts as a tenderizer, adding moisture and a subtle tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with two tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect crispy coating. You can mix in 1/4 cup of cornstarch for an extra crunchy texture.

See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Chicken marinated in buttermilk.

Step 1: Place the chicken drumsticks in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Add half of the salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is coated, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Flour in a bowl mixed with spices.

Step 2: Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll the drumsticks in the seasoned flour, ensuring they’re well coated. Press the flour onto the chicken.

Marinated chicken dretched in flour.

Step 3: Dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk, then roll it in the seasoned flour again for a double coating that ensures extra crunch.

Chicken drumsticks deep fried in oil.

Step 4: Put the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, a few at a time – make sure not to overcrowd your fryer. Fry for 12-15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken and place them on paper towels to remove extra oil.

Expert Tips

  • Use Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
  • Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken back in buttermilk and flour for an extra thick crust.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes ensures an even crispier crust.
  • Store & Reheat Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350℉ oven on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal.
  • Pair with coleslaw for a fresh and tangy contrast to the crispy chicken.
  • Enjoy with cornbread or biscuits for a classic Southern touch.
  • Dip in ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe FAQs

What does buttermilk do for fried chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tang, making the meat extra juicy and flavorful.

Can I make buttermilk fried chicken without deep frying?

Yes! You can make it in an air fryer at 375℉ for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake it in the oven at 400℉ for about 40 minutes.

How do I keep fried chicken crispy?

To keep it crispy, place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. If storing, reheat in an oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes.

Woman holding a fried chicken drumstick.

More Chicken Recipes

  1. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a drizzle of hot honey—this cornflake chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy to your dinner plate.
  2. There’s something about a proper chicken club sandwich that just makes sense — the crunch, the savory bite, and the freshness. It’s everything you want in a lunch that’s quick to make, easy to pack, and actually satisfying. Classic, no fuss, and absolutely worth the few minutes it takes.
  3. Get ready for the ultimate chicken thighs—crispy on the outside, perfectly juicy on the inside, and all made in your air fryer! This quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs recipe will be your go-to for a delicious dinner any night of the week.
  4. These chicken pitas are what easy dinners should be—quick to make, packed with flavor, and surprisingly satisfying. No fuss, no wraps, just a flatbread meal that hits all the right notes.
  5. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights, this BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza brings together all the best parts of pizza night — crispy base, tangy sauce, smoky flavors, and melty cheese — in just 20 minutes.

If you tried this Southern-style buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

Buttermillk fried chicken garnished with parsley and served with dipping sauce.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This crispy buttermilk fried chicken is golden, juicy, and packed with flavor! Marinated in buttermilk, double-coated for extra crunch, and fried to perfection, this easy Southern-style recipe is a must-try for any fried chicken lover.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Shilpa

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry. Place them in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Add half of the salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is coated, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
  • In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and remaining pepper to make a seasoned flour mix.
  • Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll the drumsticks in the seasoned flour, ensuring they're well coated. Press the flour onto the chicken for a crispy coating.
  • Dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk, then roll it in the seasoned flour again for a double coating that ensures extra crunch.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot to 350-375℉.
  • Carefully put the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, a few at a time – make sure not to overcrowd your fryer. Fry for 12-15 minutes until they're golden brown, crispy, and cooked inside.
  • Use a slotted spoon to take out the fried chicken and place them on paper towels to remove extra oil. Let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your buttermilk fried chicken with your favorite sides!

Notes

  • Use Buttermilk: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
  • Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken back in buttermilk and flour for an extra thick crust.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes ensures an even crispier crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 552mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe? Share it Today!Mention @lentillovingfamily or tag #lentillovingfamily!

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. Hi Kellie, great question! You don’t need the oil to completely cover the chicken. For buttermilk fried chicken, about 1 to 1½ inches of oil is sufficient. You’ll want enough oil so the chicken is mostly submerged, but not completely. Fry one side until golden, then flip it to cook the other side. Hope that helps — and happy cooking!
    – Shilpa

  2. 5 stars
    The best fried chicken receipe I’ve ever made. My new go to! And, we know how to fry chicken in Texas!🇨🇱

  3. Hi Zoe, Thank you so much! That means a lot coming from someone who knows their way around fried chicken! So glad it’s become your go-to.
    – Shilpa

4.50 from 2 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating