Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts

These Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts are the perfect combination of crunchy, golden coating on the outside and tender, juicy chicken on the inside. Soaked in buttermilk for added tenderness and flavor, and fried to perfection in a skillet, these chicken breasts are a sure crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them with mashed potatoes and gravy or a fresh side salad, these fried chicken breasts will elevate your dinner game. The buttermilk marinade makes the meat flavorful and moist, while the spice mix in the batter adds a touch of savory heat that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups canola oil

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, stir together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours).
  2. Set out the chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
  3. In a gallon-sized Ziplock bag, combine flour, Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Transfer chicken from buttermilk to the Ziplock bag, seal, and shake until chicken is coated.
  5. Heat canola oil in a large skillet to 350-375°F. Fry chicken, two breasts at a time, for 2-2½ minutes on the first side, and 1½-2 minutes on the second side until golden brown.
  6. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Remove from oven, serve hot, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Buttermilk Soak: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the satisfaction of crispy, golden fried chicken. This Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts recipe takes the beloved classic to the next level, offering a mouth-watering combination of crunchy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender meat. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cooking or just looking for a dependable go-to for family dinners, this recipe is perfect for every occasion. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes this fried chicken so irresistible, from the preparation techniques to tips for getting that perfect golden crust. Let’s dig deeper into what makes this dish a hit and how you can enjoy it to the fullest.

The Secret to Juicy and Flavorful Chicken: Buttermilk Soak

The key to making the chicken in this recipe exceptionally tender and flavorful is the buttermilk soak. Buttermilk is a magic ingredient when it comes to marinating chicken, as it serves multiple functions in the cooking process. The slight acidity of the buttermilk tenderizes the meat, breaking down the proteins in the chicken and ensuring that the meat remains juicy and succulent during the frying process.

The buttermilk also allows the spices and flavors from the marinade to penetrate deep into the chicken. With a hint of hot sauce in the buttermilk, you get the added benefit of subtle heat without overpowering the dish. The result? Each bite of fried chicken is packed with flavor, and the meat practically melts in your mouth.

The Batter and Frying Technique

The outer coating of this fried chicken is where the magic happens. The flour mixture used for dredging the chicken is seasoned with a simple but effective combination of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These ingredients work together to create a flavorful crust that complements the tender chicken inside.

Once the chicken is marinated, it goes straight into a gallon-sized Ziplock bag filled with the flour mixture. This technique ensures that the chicken is evenly coated, and it minimizes the mess of traditional dredging. A good shake in the bag allows every inch of the chicken breast to be covered in the spiced flour, ensuring an even and crispy finish when fried.

The actual frying process is critical for achieving the signature crunch. The oil needs to be heated to between 350°F and 375°F to ensure the coating crisps up immediately, locking in moisture. If the oil is too cold, the chicken absorbs too much oil, resulting in a soggy texture. If the oil is too hot, the crust burns before the chicken is fully cooked. Using a thermometer to gauge the oil temperature ensures perfection every time.

After a quick fry in the skillet to achieve a golden-brown exterior, the chicken breasts are transferred to the oven to finish cooking. This two-step process ensures the crust remains crispy, while the inside stays juicy and cooks evenly without burning the outer layer.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste

One of the best things about this buttermilk fried chicken recipe is its versatility. While the classic version is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences. For example, if you prefer bone-in chicken, you can follow the same process with slight adjustments to the cooking time. Bone-in chicken tends to take longer to cook through, especially when frying, so keeping an eye on the internal temperature is crucial.

The recipe also allows for variations in the spice mix. If you like your fried chicken with a little more heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the marinade. Alternatively, if you’re feeding younger children or those with milder tastes, you can tone down the spices without compromising on flavor.

For those who enjoy experimenting, this recipe can serve as a base for endless fried chicken creations. You can swap out the canola oil for peanut oil for a nuttier flavor, or try different seasonings in the flour mix. You could also serve it with a variety of dipping sauces, from a classic Southern gravy to a tangy honey mustard or spicy ranch.

Serving Suggestions: A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

No fried chicken meal is complete without the right side dishes. Traditionally, fried chicken is served with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, and a ladle of rich, savory gravy. This combination creates the ultimate comfort meal that is sure to please any crowd. The creaminess of the potatoes balances the crunch of the chicken, while the green beans add a fresh, healthy component to the plate.

If you’re looking to lighten up the meal, you can pair the fried chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad are excellent choices to balance out the richness of the fried chicken.

For a Southern-inspired feast, consider adding cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to the table. These classic sides not only complement the flavors of the chicken but also add a homey, comforting vibe to the meal.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

While fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, this recipe makes great leftovers if stored and reheated properly. To keep the crispy texture of the fried chicken, avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it will cause the crust to become soggy. Instead, place the fried chicken on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method will restore the crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken remains moist inside.

For storing, be sure to let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, the chicken can last for up to three days in the refrigerator. If you plan on freezing the fried chicken, it’s best to flash-freeze the pieces on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This helps maintain the texture of the coating when reheated.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Information

While fried chicken isn’t typically considered a health food, there are ways to make this recipe a little more nutritious. You can reduce the overall fat content by using an air fryer for the initial frying process. Additionally, opting for skinless chicken breasts lowers the calorie count while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal.

In terms of nutritional value, this recipe provides a good source of protein thanks to the chicken breasts. Each serving of this dish contains around 580 kcal, with a balanced macronutrient profile of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The spices used in the batter also add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to the dish, making it not just delicious, but beneficial to your health in moderation.

Conclusion:

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a crispy twist. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken is tender and juicy, while the seasoned flour coating provides an irresistibly crunchy crust. This recipe is easy to customize and pairs well with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to fresh salads. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this fried chicken even as leftovers without sacrificing its signature crunch. Give this recipe a try, and it may soon become a regular addition to your meal rotation!

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