The first time I made this Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken with Spicy Buttermilk Brine, I couldn’t believe how amazing it tasted! The chicken was tender, juicy, and packed with incredible flavor, wrapped in a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy coating.

Everyone kept reaching for more, and I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s comforting, satisfying, and so worth the effort. Trust me, this chicken will be the star of your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Discover the perfect blend of flavors to make this irresistible fried chicken a reality.

2 cups buttermilk: Keeps the meat juicy and tender.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the brine.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the brine with bold flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings the heat!
2 teaspoons kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors in the chicken.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds spice and balance.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs for extra aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the classic crispy coating.
¼ cup cornstarch: Ensures an ultra-crispy crust.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter puff up nicely.
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks): Brine and fry to golden perfection.
Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying): The ideal oil for deep frying with a high smoke point.

Note: This recipe serves 4 generously.

Customizing Your Fried Chicken

Your crispy fried chicken can be personalized to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Mild Heat Option: Skip or reduce cayenne and hot sauce for a less spicy version.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour.
Herby Brine: Add fresh sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or even fresh parsley to the buttermilk for an aromatic twist.

Cooking Time Overview

Here’s how much time this recipe requires from start to finish.

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

Having the right tools will make your fried chicken crispy and delicious.

Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for making the buttermilk brine.
Whisk: Helps combine the dry ingredients smoothly.
Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for even frying and maximum crispiness.
Wire Rack: Keeps the chicken crispy as it cools by allowing oil to drain.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.

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

From marinating to frying, making this crispy fried chicken is a breeze!

Prepare the Spicy Buttermilk Brine

Start by whisking together buttermilk, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, poke small holes in the chicken pieces to help the brine penetrate, then submerge them fully in the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but if you can marinate overnight, the flavor will be unforgettable.

Make the Seasoned Flour Mixture

Mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning in another bowl. The cornstarch is the magic ingredient that gives you a ridiculously crispy crust.

Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk brine and allow any excess to drip off. Toss each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. For an even crunchier crust, add a couple of tablespoons of the brine into the flour mixture before dredging.

Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet to 325°F. Carefully add the chicken skin-side down, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place cooked pieces on a wire rack to cool slightly without losing their crunch.

Serve and Savor

Pile the crispy fried chicken onto a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for presentation. Whether served hot or at room temperature, every bite will be a crispy, juicy delight!

Tips to Master This Fried Chicken

Here’s how you can ensure your fried chicken turns out flawless every time.

Marinating Matters: Trust me, the longer the chicken soaks in the brine, the better the flavor. Overnight is ideal if you can plan ahead.
Temperature Control: Keeping the oil at 325-350°F ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches keeps the oil hot and your chicken perfectly crispy.
Rest After Dredging: After coating the chicken, let it sit for 20-30 minutes before frying to help the coating stick better.

How to Serve Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken?

Want to make your fried chicken even more special? Present it beautifully! Serve it family-style on a big platter surrounded by sides like creamy mac and cheese, fluffy biscuits, or spicy honey-glazed cornbread. A drizzle of warm honey or a wedge of lime on the side adds even more depth to this dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

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

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning and proper storage ensure your chicken stays as fresh and tasty as possible.

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the seasoned flour mixture ahead of time to cut down on prep on cooking day.
Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to warm up the chicken for maximum crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.
Freezing: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for the freshest results.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try?

Here’s why this crispy soul food fried chicken deserves a spot in your kitchen.

It’s Brimming with Flavor: The spicy buttermilk brine and seasoned coating take this chicken to another level.
Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The smart use of cornstarch ensures an unbeatable crunch.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly or fiery hot.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Ideal for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
Easy Enough for All Levels: The steps are simple and rewarding, even for beginners!

This crispy fried chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and get ready to create food that’s truly unforgettable!