Introduction:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Buttermilk Fried Chicken – a recipe that promises a perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. The magic lies in the buttermilk marinade, imparting tenderness and a hint of tanginess to each succulent piece of chicken. Get ready to savor the crispy goodness of homemade fried chicken that will leave everyone craving for more!
Ingredients:
For Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Preparing the Buttermilk Marinade:
- Creating the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This forms the flavorful buttermilk marinade.
- Marinating the Chicken:
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Coating the Chicken:
- Mixing Coating Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Coating the Chicken:
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Resting Period:
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
Frying the Chicken:
- Heating the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Frying in Batches:
- Carefully place a few pieces of coated chicken into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden-brown crust.
- Draining Excess Oil:
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serving:
- Resting Period:
- Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnishing (Optional):
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness