Unleash the savory secret: juicy buttermilk fried chicken for food heaven
What To Know
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- The key to achieving crispy skin on your fried chicken is to double-coat it in flour.
Indulge in the tantalizing world of fried chicken with our exquisite juicy buttermilk fried chicken recipe. This culinary delight will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its crispy golden-brown exterior and tender, succulent interior, this recipe will elevate your fried chicken game to new heights.
Ingredients for the Perfect Buttermilk Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Coating the Chicken for Maximum Crunch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Guide to Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bliss
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or container, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dredge the chicken pieces in the prepared flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Fry to Perfection
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Rest and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Crispy and Juicy Chicken
- Use buttermilk for the marinade. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which helps tenderize the chicken and makes it extra juicy.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours. This will give the buttermilk time to penetrate the chicken and flavor it throughout.
- Dredge the chicken in flour twice. This will create a crispy outer layer that locks in the juices.
- Fry the chicken at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it cooks through. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Rest the chicken before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Elevate Your Fried Chicken with Delicious Sides
Complement your juicy buttermilk fried chicken with a variety of delectable sides. Consider serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crispy coleslaw
- Buttery green beans
- Freshly baked biscuits
The Secret to Crispy Skin
The key to achieving crispy skin on your fried chicken is to double-coat it in flour. The first coat will create a thin layer that will help the second coat adhere. The second coat will create a thicker layer that will become crispy when fried.
The Perfect Buttermilk Marinade
The buttermilk marinade is what gives this fried chicken its signature flavor and tenderness. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. The buttermilk also adds a slightly tangy flavor to the chicken.
Final Thoughts: A Culinary Symphony for Your Taste Buds
Indulge in the culinary masterpiece of juicy buttermilk fried chicken. With its crispy exterior and succulent interior, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Follow the step-by-step guide and tips to achieve fried chicken perfection. Elevate your meal with delectable sides and enjoy a symphony of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I make sure my fried chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. What is the best way to store leftover fried chicken?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
3. Can I use other types of milk for the marinade?
Yes, you can use other types of milk for the marinade, such as regular milk, almond milk, or soy milk. However, buttermilk will give the chicken the most flavor and tenderness.
4. How can I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
To make your fried chicken extra crispy, double-coat it in flour. The first coat will create a thin layer that will help the second coat adhere. The second coat will create a thicker layer that will become crispy when fried.
5. What are some good sides to serve with fried chicken?
Good sides to serve with fried chicken include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, and biscuits.
