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

Name: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 chicken drumsticks; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; Vegetable oil (for frying)

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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.

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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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious—these air fryer chicken drumsticks are a must-try! With minimal prep and no fuss, you can whip up a quick dinner that the whole family will rave about.

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