Crispy Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe to Wow Guests

Southern kitchens buzz with anticipation when crispy smoked buttermilk fried chicken hits the table.

Deep-roasted flavors and crackling textures promise an unforgettable meal that screams comfort.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending smoky undertones with golden-brown crunch.

Buttermilk works magic, tenderizing each succulent piece of meat before its crispy transformation.

Spices dance through the coating, creating layers of complex flavor that sing with every bite.

The secret lies in patience and technique, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to gather everyone around and savor each mouthwatering morsel of this irresistible chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness with its acidic properties.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a subtle kick and helps penetrate chicken with spicy flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps break down protein fibers.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, sharp depth to the marinade's flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated aromatic notes without raw garlic texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertones before actual smoking process.

• Flour: Creates crispy exterior and helps breading adhere to chicken.
• Cornstarch: Ensures extra crunchiness and light, delicate coating.
• Baking Powder: Helps breading become extra crisp and airy.
• Eggs: Binds breading ingredients and provides golden color when fried.

• Peanut Oil: Delivers high smoke point and neutral flavor for perfect frying.
• Hickory, Apple, or Pecan Wood: Imparts gentle, complex smoky flavors to chicken.
• Honey: Optional finishing touch for sweet contrast.
• Hot Sauce: Additional serving condiment for extra heat.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy dipping option to complement crispy chicken.

Tools To Fry Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe Right

• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and preparing breading mixtures.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining marinade and breading ingredients smoothly.
• Smoker: Key for adding delicious smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Smoker Grates: Needed to place chicken during smoking process.
• Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven: Critical for frying chicken to crispy perfection.
• Digital Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Wire Rack: Great for draining excess oil after frying.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Tongs: Useful for handling chicken during smoking and frying.

Steps To Make Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Crispy

• Kickstart the Marinade

Splash buttermilk and seasonings into a bowl, creating a zesty bath for your chicken. Submerge the meat completely and let it chill in the refrigerator for a flavor-packed transformation.

• Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to a low and slow 225F. Choose wood chips that’ll give your chicken a gentle, aromatic smoky kiss – hickory or apple work magic.

• Smoke and Dry Rub

Pull chicken from its buttermilk bath, gently pat dry, and coat with a spicy dry rub. Slide the pieces onto smoker grates and let them bathe in smoky goodness until they reach 140F.

• Create the Crispy Armor

Whip up a crunchy coating by mixing flour, cornstarch, and bold spices. In another bowl, blend reserved marinade with beaten egg for a killer dipping station.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to a sizzling 350F. Coat each smoked piece by dunking through flour, buttermilk mixture, then flour again for maximum crunch. Fry until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown and hits 165F internally.

• Serve and Devour

Let chicken rest briefly on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Plate up and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce – honey or hot sauce will make taste buds dance.

Flavor Tricks For Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy meat and crispy exterior.
• Marinade Magic: Soak chicken overnight in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor penetration, creating incredibly succulent meat that falls off the bone.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend to make the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious crunch.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity in marinade to personalize heat intensity, from mild for kids to fiery for spice lovers – making this recipe adaptable for every palate.
• Healthier Baking Alternative: For lower-fat version, skip deep frying and instead oven-bake breaded smoked chicken at 425F for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Best Way To Serve Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

• Southern Picnic Platter: Create a classic summer spread with crispy smoked chicken, creamy coleslaw, fluffy biscuits, and tangy pickles. Arrange everything on a rustic wooden board for ultimate comfort food vibes.
• Spicy Honey Drizzle: Elevate the fried chicken by mixing local honey with your favorite hot sauce. Drizzle generously over the crispy pieces to add a sweet and fiery kick that complements the smoky flavor.
• Backyard BBQ Sides: Pair the chicken with traditional barbecue accompaniments like creamy mac and cheese, grilled corn on the cob, and a zesty potato salad. These classic sides will make the meal feel like a true Southern feast.
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich Hack: Transform leftover pieces into mouthwatering sandwiches by placing them on soft brioche buns with creamy ranch, crunchy lettuce, and sliced pickles for a next-level lunch option.

Storing Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe With Care

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover smoked buttermilk fried chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Restore crispy exterior by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy breading and maintain original crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken remains delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Genius: Prepare extra batches during weekend cooking sessions. Separate chicken pieces into portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date for organized meal planning.

Crispy Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern-style smoked buttermilk fried chicken delivers crispy, juicy perfection with complex layers of flavor. Herbs, spices, and classic technique combine to create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 4 cups (960 ml) peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasonings in a large container, ensuring comprehensive spice integration for robust flavor development.
2. Refrigerate: Immerse chicken pieces completely in marinade, covering every surface, and rest in refrigerator for 4-8 hours to maximize flavor penetration.
3. Prepare Smoker: Set smoker to 225F, selecting hickory or apple wood chips to infuse subtle smoky undertones into the meat.
4. Season and Smoke: Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and generously coat with dry rub. Arrange on smoker grates, maintaining spacing for even heat circulation, and smoke until internal temperature reaches 140F, typically 1.5-2 hours.
5. Breading Preparation: Combine flour, cornstarch, seasonings, and baking powder in one bowl, whisking to eliminate lumps. Create a secondary liquid dredging mixture by blending reserved marinade with beaten eggs.
6. Frying Setup: Heat peanut oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350F, monitoring temperature for optimal frying conditions.
7. Dredge and Fry: Coat smoked chicken pieces sequentially through seasoned flour, egg-buttermilk blend, and return to flour for enhanced crispiness. Carefully lower into hot oil, frying in batches to maintain temperature and prevent overcrowding.
8. Final Cooking: Fry until exterior turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer to wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
9. Serve: Rest briefly, then plate immediately with preferred condiments like honey, hot sauce, or ranch dressing for a delectable culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Time: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Monitor Smoker Temperature: Keep smoker consistently at 225F to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out chicken.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Double-dredge chicken in flour mixture for extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain exact 350F oil temperature to achieve crispy crust without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg