Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Golden, crunchy, craggy crust with juicy chicken inside — this Dutch oven fried chicken is light, crispy, and packed with classic Southern flavor.

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Marinade

  • 3–4 lbs bone-in chicken pieces
    (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, wings)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Crispy Coating

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme

For Frying

  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil

Optional Finish

  • Flaky sea salt
  • Hot honey drizzle

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
  2. Add chicken pieces and fully coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne, and thyme.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade one piece at a time, letting excess drip off slightly.
  5. Press firmly into the flour mixture until heavily coated.
  6. For extra crunchy Southern-style craggy bits:
    • drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of buttermilk into the flour mixture
    • toss lightly with your fingers to create small crispy clusters
    • dip chicken briefly back into buttermilk and dredge a second time
  7. Fill your Simmer Down Cookware Dutch oven with 2–3 inches of oil.
  8. Maintain oil temperature between 325°F–330°F for a lighter golden crust and juicy interior.
  9. Fry in batches:
    • wings: 10–12 minutes
    • drumsticks/thighs: 13–16 minutes
    • breasts: 15–18 minutes
  10. Transfer to a wire rack and rest 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Finish lightly with flaky sea salt if desired.

Chef’s Tips

  • Overnight marinating creates the juiciest chicken and deepest flavor.
  • Cornstarch helps create the light, crispy crust seen in classic Southern fried chicken.
  • Double dredging gives the chicken those crunchy, craggy bits that make it irresistible.
  • Avoid overcrowding the Dutch oven to keep the coating crispy.

Perfect Alongside

  • Homestyle Macaroni Salad
  • Southern Coleslaw
  • Honey Butter Cornbread
  • Slow Simmered Baked Beans
  • Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Pickles
  • Hot honey drizzle

Prep Time

25 minutes

Marinate Time

4 hours minimum (overnight preferred)

Cook Time

30–35 minutes

Serves

4–6 people

Enjoy!