Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken with Spicy Buttermilk Brine Recipe: Flavor-Packed Dish

The first time I made this crispy soul food fried chicken, I couldn’t stop smiling. The chicken turned out so juicy and flavorful, with a perfectly golden, crunchy coating that made every bite irresistible.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—comforting, satisfying, and absolutely worth the effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. Let’s dive in and create some magic in the kitchen!

Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken with Spicy Buttermilk Brine Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this crispy fried chicken, along with tips to get the best results.

2 cups buttermilk: Keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Don’t skip this—it’s the secret to moist meat!
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds a bold, spicy kick to the brine.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky flavor to the mix.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the brine with a rich, savory taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For those who love a little heat!
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and warmth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for an aromatic twist.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for that classic crispy coating.
¼ cup cornstarch: The key to achieving an ultra-crispy crust.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the coating puff up beautifully.
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks): Use fresh chicken for the best results.
Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying): These oils have a high smoke point, perfect for deep frying.

Note: This recipe serves 4 generously.

Variations

Make this recipe your own with these easy swaps and add-ins:

Mild Heat Option: Skip the cayenne and reduce the hot sauce for a kid-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Herby Brine: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the buttermilk for extra aroma.

Cooking Time Overview

Here’s how much time you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours and 40 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

These tools will make the process smooth and ensure perfect results:

Large Mixing Bowl: For preparing the buttermilk brine.
Whisk: To mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Cast Iron Skillet: Ensures even frying and a crispy crust.
Wire Rack: Keeps the chicken crispy by letting excess oil drain.
Meat Thermometer: Guarantees the chicken is cooked to perfection.

How to Make Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken with Spicy Buttermilk Brine?

Making this fried chicken is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Prepare the Spicy Buttermilk Brine

Start by whisking together the buttermilk, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. To help the brine penetrate, poke small holes in the chicken pieces with a fork. Submerge the chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. If you can marinate overnight, the flavor will be even more incredible.

Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning. The cornstarch is the game-changer here—it’s what makes the crust extra crispy. Mix everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the brine and let any excess drip off. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even layer. For an extra-crunchy crust, add a couple of tablespoons of the brine to the flour mixture and mix it in before dredging.

Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet to 325°F. Carefully place the chicken skin-side down, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly while staying crispy.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some tricks I’ve learned to make this recipe even more amazing:

Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken soak overnight for the best flavor.
Keep the Oil Hot: Maintain the oil temperature between 325-350°F for even cooking.
Don’t Rush: Fry in small batches to keep the oil from cooling down.
Rest the Coating: Let the dredged chicken sit for 20-30 minutes before frying to help the crust stick better.

How to Serve Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken?

Presentation matters! Serve your fried chicken on a large platter, surrounded by classic sides like mac and cheese, biscuits, or cornbread. For a finishing touch, drizzle with warm honey or garnish with fresh parsley. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty pop of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 1759
Protein: 51g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fat: 146g

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your fried chicken fresh and delicious with these tips:

Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the flour mixture in advance to save time on cooking day.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to reheat and maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for the best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This fried chicken is a must-try, and here’s why:

Packed with Flavor: The spicy buttermilk brine and seasoned coating are a match made in heaven.
Crispy Perfection: Cornstarch ensures the crust is always crunchy.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or make it gluten-free to suit your needs.
Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make it easy for anyone to master.

Ash Tyrrell