Chef John's Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk fried chicken that's crispy and tender. Whole chicken pieces are soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, then fried until crisp.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 1262 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups flour
• 1 (3 1/2) pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 0.25 teaspoon dried sage
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
• 2.5 quarts peanut oil for frying

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Stir in buttermilk until chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours.

Step 2

Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 3

Toss chicken pieces, black pepper, salt, paprika, white pepper, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and cayenne together in a large bowl.

Step 4

Combine flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, white pepper, and onion powder in a large shallow dish.

Step 5

Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in seasoned flour; shake off any excess and transfer to a plate.

Step 6

Transfer fried chicken to a cooling rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Add chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 10 minutes. Turn chicken pieces and fry for another 10 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).