Description
If you’re craving a comforting and crispy dish, look no further than The Best Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken. This recipe is designed to deliver tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a golden-brown, crunchy crust that will impress family and friends alike. The secret lies in the buttermilk brine, which infuses every bite with flavor while keeping the meat moist. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish embodies the essence of classic southern cooking. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- One whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups cornstarch
- 4 cups vegetable shortening or peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne.
- Whisk together buttermilk, egg, salt, and half the spice mixture in a large bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, remaining salt and spice mixture in another bowl.
- Heat vegetable shortening or oil in a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 425°F.
- Remove chicken from brine and let excess liquid drain off; then coat with flour mixture.
- Fry chicken skin-side down until golden brown on both sides (maintain temperature around 300°F).
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (120g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra crispiness, refrigerate cooked chicken for an hour before reheating it in hot oil. Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your taste preferences.