If you crave that perfect balance of crunch, heat, and juicy tenderness, then this Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine is about to become your new go-to comfort food. This recipe transports you right into the heart of soul food traditions, using a vibrant spicy buttermilk brine that not only packs incredible flavor but also locks in moisture, resulting in chicken that is irresistibly crisp on the outside and heavenly tender inside. Every bite sings with the smoky, spicy, and savory notes from a carefully crafted spice blend, making this fried chicken a standout star for any meal or gathering.

Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to making this Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine truly shine. Each component has a special role — from spices that elevate flavor to flours that create the signature crunch, every element works in harmony.

Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky aroma and a rich red hue that’s signature to soul food.

Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory undertones with its pungent punch.

Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and helps your chicken stay juicy inside.
Coarsely ground black pepper: Offers a sharp, fresh heat that balances the spice profile.

Italian seasoning: Brings herbal brightness and complexity.
Ground cayenne pepper: Introduces the essential spicy kick that defines this dish.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken perfectly while adding a slight tang.

Louisiana hot sauce: Infuses the brine with heat and flavor complexity.
Whole chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on): Offers juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when fried to perfection.
All-purpose flour: Creates a sturdy but light crust for crunch.

Cornstarch: Lightens the breading to ensure maximum crispiness.
Baking powder: Provides extra lift in the coating for that perfect crackling texture.
Peanut oil: Has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor ideal for frying.

How to Make Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine

Step 1: Craft the Flavorful Spice Blend

Start by whisking together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and ground cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. This spice blend is the foundation of your fried chicken’s soul food magic, combining smokiness, warmth, and a powerful touch of heat that will infuse both your brine and flour coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Buttermilk Brine

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, half of your spice blend, and Louisiana hot sauce until smooth. Use a small knife or fork to pierce your chicken pieces all over — this helps the flavorful brine penetrate deeply. Submerge the chicken completely in the brine, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, even better, overnight. This brining process is critical for tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken for Maximum Crunch

When ready to fry, heat peanut oil to 325°F in a sturdy cast-iron skillet and preheat your oven to 200°F to keep cooked chicken warm. In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining spice blend. Remove chicken from the brine, letting excess drip off, and coat pieces four at a time in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any extra. This double hit of spices ensures a palate-pleasing crunch and bold flavor.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot oil, arranging thighs and wings toward the skillet center with breasts and legs around the edges. Maintain the oil temperature for an even cook and fry each side for 6 to 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F ensuring safe, juicy chicken every time. Transfer finished pieces to a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while frying remaining batches.

How to Serve Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine

Garnishes

A few thoughtfully chosen garnishes can elevate your Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine to irresistible levels. Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the golden crust. For an extra kick, scatter sliced jalapeños or drizzle a smoky honey glaze on top—you’ll love the unexpected harmony of sweet and spicy flavors.

Side Dishes

Classic soul food sides are the perfect companion to your fried chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery collard greens, sweet cornbread, and tangy coleslaw provide the ideal mix of textures and flavors that complement the spicy, crunchy chicken. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad or vinegar-based green beans brighten the plate without competing with the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving your Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine as a sandwich on a toasted bun with pickles, slaw, and spicy mayo. You can also create a sharing platter alongside dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mustard, or a smoky barbecue sauce. Presentation with vibrant plates or rustic wooden boards keeps the vibe casual, warm, and incredibly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your fried chicken tasting fresh and crispy, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid sealing it when still warm, as trapped steam can soften the crust. Instead, let the pieces cool on a wire rack before storing.

Freezing

If you want to save your Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen fried chicken can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover fried chicken and preserve that signature crispiness is in the oven. Preheat to 375°F, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and warm for 15 to 20 minutes. This method restores the crunchy exterior and reheats the meat evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use different chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with any bone-in, skin-on chicken parts like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. The key is to keep the skin on and bones in for juicy, flavorful results.

Is soaking the chicken overnight in the spicy buttermilk brine necessary?

While 3 hours will give you tasty results, marinating overnight lets the flavors fully develop and the chicken become extra tender. If you’re short on time, the shorter brine still works wonderfully.

Can I adjust the spice level in the Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine?

Definitely! If you prefer milder chicken, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. For more heat, add an extra dash of cayenne or a little hot sauce to your taste.

What oil is best for frying this chicken?

Peanut oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which lets the spices shine. However, vegetable or canola oil are good alternatives if peanut oil isn’t available.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so with these swaps, you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine is truly a celebration of bold flavors, time-honored techniques, and comforting textures that bring joy to the dinner table. Whether you’re sharing with family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself to something special, this recipe promises a golden, crunchy bite that warms the soul. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a treasured favorite in your home!

Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken With Spicy Buttermilk Brine Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including brining time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Diet: Halal

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Description

This Crispy Soul Food Fried Chicken features a robust, smoky, and spicy flavor profile achieved through a homemade spice blend and a tangy buttermilk brine infused with Louisiana Hot Sauce. The chicken pieces are double-coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection using peanut oil, delivering a crisp exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. Ideal for a soulful, comforting meal that celebrates Southern flavors.

Instructions

Make the Spice Blend: In a medium bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper until well combined to create a balanced, flavorful seasoning base.
Prepare the Buttermilk Brine: In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk with half of the prepared spice blend and the Louisiana Hot Sauce until smooth. Use a small knife or fork to pierce the chicken pieces all over, then fully submerge them in the buttermilk brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Dredge the Chicken: Preheat the peanut oil in a 12-inch straight-sided cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to 325°F. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and the remaining half of the spice blend. Remove chicken pieces from the brine in batches of four (one breast, wing, leg, and thigh preferred), toss thoroughly in the flour mixture ensuring even coating, then shake off excess flour.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces skin side down in the hot oil, arranging thighs and wings towards the center of the skillet and breasts and legs around the edges. Maintain the oil temperature at 325°F, frying each side for approximately 6–8 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F inside the thickest part of the chicken.
Keep Warm and Serve: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and place in a preheated oven at 200°F to keep warm while frying remaining batches. Serve the crispy, spicy fried chicken hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

Overnight brining is optional but highly recommended to enhance flavor and juiciness.
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature to prevent undercooking or burning.
Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Adjust cayenne pepper quantity if a milder or spicier chicken is desired.
Ensure chicken pieces are patted dry before dredging for better coating adherence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying

Cuisine: Southern Soul Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 6 oz)
Calories: 480 kcal

Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 30 g

Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 35 g

Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: fried chicken, crispy chicken, soul food, spicy fried chicken, buttermilk brine, southern cooking, soul food chicken