Crispy Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs

Name: Crispy Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 0.6 kg/1.3 lbs chicken thighs or legs, skin removed (about 6 pieces); 454g/ 1lb vegetable shortening/4 cups Cooking oil for frying; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon dried parsley or thyme; 2 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons onion powder

by The Foody Bean

6 thighs

50 min

Fried chicken goes with pretty much anything. It’s crispy, juicy and there are few things in this world that beat that first bite into a freshly fried chicken. I think this is great for holiday season, it’s packed with tons of flavor and would go really well with some macaroni and cheese and cornbread.

I served these with homemade brown sugar syrup but you can use honey or even maple syrup. The touch of sweetness on the chicken is really like the cherry on top. I heated 2 tablespoons of water and 1/2 cup brown sugar until dissolved.

I used 6 chicken thighs for this recipe but you can double it and use up to 12-14 chicken thighs. It also works with split chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs).

I like leaving the chicken in the fridge overnight so it soaks up the seasoned buttermilk marinade. If you are pressed for time, you can refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours.

A but if cornstarch in the coating mixture enhances the crispiness of the fried chicken. I wouldn’t recommend swapping out all-purpose flour for cornstarch because your chicken will feel like biting into a brick. So you want to add just a bit.

Crispy Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs

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Recipe details

Yield 6 thighs
Time spent: Prep time: 20 Minutes Cook time: 30 Minutes Total time: 50 min

Show Nutrition Info

Per serving

% Daily value

Ingredients

0.6 kg/1.3 lbs chicken thighs or legs, skin removed (about 6 pieces)
454g/ 1lb vegetable shortening/4 cups Cooking oil for frying

Buttermilk marinade

1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley or thyme
2 large eggs

Coating

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons onion powder

Instructions

Whisk buttermilk marinade ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Mix in the chicken thighs with this buttermilk marinade and wrap the top of the bowl with cling wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight.
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, unwrap the shortening and melt it completely using medium-high heat (or add cooking oil at least 3 inches deep and heat until the temperature is 350°F/175°C).
Fry chicken thighs for 8-9 minutes on each side until brown on both sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan as that reduces the temperature of the oil so I like frying 3-4 pieces at a time.
Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reads at least 170°F/76°C to avoid biting into a blood-filled chicken. Yes I’ve been there.
Once your chicken is ready, let it cool on a wire rack. Serve warm!

Tips

This recipe can cook up to 12 pieces of chicken so don’t hesitate to use chicken legs for this recipe.
Don’t overcrowd the pan as that reduces the temperature of the oil so I like frying 3-4 pieces at a time.
You can quickly blot out any excess oil from the fried chicken with a paper towel but let the chicken cook completely on a wire rack. This ensures maximum crispiness rather than cooling it on paper towels where trapped steam underneath the chicken adds moisture and makes the coating sort of soggy.

Comments

KateyV on Dec 08, 2021

Yum! I LOVE fried chicken.
This recipe seems easier than most fried chicken recipes I've used. Dark meat is the best since it's more moist.
I use chicken leg quarters all the time (as you suggested).
Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

2 Reply
- The Foody Bean on Feb 27, 2022
  
  Thanks for having a look :) Hope you enjoyed this recipe!
  
  Like
Melissa Romjue on Aug 25, 2023

Looks so darn good! I love fried chicken!!
I am trying this recipe tomorrow, I will update on how it turns out.
Thanks!

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