Buttermilk fried chicken Recipe – American Special

Buttermilk fried chicken is a quintessential comfort food, celebrated for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender interior. The buttermilk marinade infuses the chicken with exceptional flavor and moisture. When served with sweet celery, which offers a crunchy and subtly caramelized contrast, the meal becomes both delightful and balanced. The celery is glazed with honey and soy sauce, adding a hint of sweetness and umami that beautifully complements the savory fried chicken.

  • Prep Time45 min
  • Cook Time30 min
  • Total Time1 hr 15 min

Buttermilk fried chicken Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:  4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 6-8 pieces of your choice)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the Sweet Celery: 4 celery stalks (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

How to make Conch fritters:

1

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged.

2

Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

3

Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

5

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.

6

Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

7

Fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature.

8

Drain and Rest: Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

9

Prepare the Sweet Celery: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

10

Add the celery pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

11

Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the celery is tender and glazed.

12

Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

13

Serve: Serve the crispy buttermilk fried chicken alongside the sweet celery for a balanced and delicious meal.

Recipe Notes :

Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.

Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the correct temperature ensures a crispy coating and properly cooked chicken.

Celery Texture: Adjust the cooking time for the celery based on your preferred level of tenderness.

Variations: Experiment with different spices or hot sauces in the flour mixture for added flavor or heat.