Chef John’s Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe to Make It Crispy

Introduction

Fried chicken stands as a beloved comfort food for many people. Chef John’s Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe provides an easy way to create crispy and tasty fried chicken. This guide takes you through each part of the recipe, from getting ready to cooking, to help you get great results every time.

Ingredients

To Make the Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (if you want)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

• 3 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

To Fry:

• 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill your frying pan about halfway)

Getting Ready

Soaking the Chicken

1. Make the Marinade:

In a big bowl, mix the buttermilk hot sauce (if you’re using it) garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all up well.

2. Soak the Chicken:Put the chicken pieces in the bowl with the mixture. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or leave it overnight to get the best results. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender adding flavor and keeping it moist.

Getting the Coating Ready

1. Combine the Flour:

In a big flat dish, combine the flour, paprika garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cover the Chicken:Take the chicken pieces out of the marinade allowing extra to fall off. Roll each piece in the flour mix pushing down a bit to make sure it sticks well. Shake off extra flour and put the covered chicken on a rack or plate.

Frying the Chicken

Getting Ready to Fry

1. Warm the Oil:

Add 2 to 3 cups of vegetable oil to a big sturdy skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Check the temperature with a thermometer, as this has an impact on achieving crispy results.

2. Get the Frying Area Ready:Set a wire rack on a baking sheet to catch the fried chicken and keep it crispy. You can also use paper towels, but a rack works better to avoid soggy skin.

Frying the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken in Batches:

place a few chicken pieces into the hot oil taking care not to overfill the pan. Cook the chicken in small batches to keep the oil hot and make sure it cooks . Fry each batch for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks golden brown with a crispy exterior.

2. Drain the Chicken:After cooking, move the chicken to the wire rack or paper towels to get rid of extra oil. Let it sit for a few minutes before you serve it, which allows the coating to become firm.

Tips to Make Perfect Fried Chicken

Oil Temperature

Getting the oil temperature right has a big impact on making crispy fried chicken. Oil that’s too hot might burn the coating before the chicken cooks inside. Oil that’s too cool can make the coating greasy. Try to keep the temperature at 350°F (175°C) and change the heat as needed to keep it steady.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cooking too many chicken pieces at once can cool down the oil, which leads to greasy and cooked chicken. Cook in batches to make sure each piece cooks well and stays crispy.

Resting Time

Give the chicken a break after frying to let the coating crisp up and the flavors sink in. Don’t slice into it right away – this keeps all the juices inside.

Serving Ideas

Sides

Fried chicken goes great with lots of different sides. Think about serving it with classics like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. You could also add a fresh salad or some steamed veggies to make it a full meal.

Sauces

Put out a few sauces to go with the fried chicken. You might want to have barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy hot sauce. Having different sauces lets everyone enjoy their chicken just how they want it.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover fried chicken in your fridge for up to 4 days. Just put it in a container that seals . If you want to store it for longer, think about freezing it. To do this, put the chicken pieces in a container or bag that’s safe for the freezer. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months this way.

Reheating Leftovers

To keep fried chicken crispy when warming it up, your best bet is the oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and put the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let it heat up for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through and the outside is crunchy again. Skip the microwave – it’ll just make your chicken’s coating go soft.

Conclusion

Chef John’s Ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe shows you how to make crispy fried chicken at home. If you follow the steps to marinate, coat, and fry, you’ll end up with great chicken. To get the best results, keep the oil at the right temperature and don’t put too many pieces in the pan at once. Serve your homemade fried chicken with sides and sauces you like for a tasty meal.