Craving crispy, golden-brown fried chicken but don’t have buttermilk on hand? No worries! This fried chicken recipe without buttermilk delivers the same juicy, tender inside with an irresistibly crunchy coating—all using simple pantry staples.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick family dinner or impressing guests with homemade fried chicken, this recipe ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, I’ll share a clever alternative to buttermilk that keeps the chicken just as moist and delicious.
Ready to make restaurant-quality fried chicken right in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Recipe Without Buttermilk
Looking for the best fried chicken recipe without buttermilk? Whether you’re out of buttermilk or prefer an alternative, this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown fried chicken with a juicy, tender interior. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can achieve the same delicious crunch without needing buttermilk!
Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
✅ No Buttermilk Needed – Skip the extra grocery trip! This recipe uses simple, effective substitutes that keep the chicken just as moist and delicious.
✅ Crispy, Crunchy Perfection – A blend of seasoned flour and cornstarch creates a light yet ultra-crispy crust that rivals restaurant-quality fried chicken.
✅ Easy & Foolproof – No complicated techniques—just straightforward steps to guarantee juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a beautiful golden-brown finish.
✅ Customizable Flavors – Love a spicy kick? Want extra herbs? You can easily tweak the seasoning to match your taste.
Whether you’re cooking up a family dinner, a weekend feast, or a crowd-pleasing dish for game night, this homemade fried chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For this crispy fried chicken recipe, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and seasonings to build flavor and texture.
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 2 eggs (for binding)
- ½ cup milk or yogurt (alternative to buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Seasoned Flour Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a light, crispy texture)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
For Frying:
- 3 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil for a richer taste)
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create crispy fried chicken using a buttermilk alternative!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or yogurt), and hot sauce.
- Let the chicken soak in this mixture for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Coating
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove each chicken piece from the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thick, even coating.
- For extra crunch, repeat the process by dipping the chicken back into the egg wash and flour one more time.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Without Buttermilk
- Warm the oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Gently lower the coated chicken into the heated oil.
- Fry for 6-8 minutes per side (thighs and drumsticks may take longer than breasts).
- Remove the chicken once it’s golden brown and crispy, placing it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
- Allow the fried chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor.
Pro Tips and Variations for Fried Chicken Recipe Without Buttermilk
🔹 Double-Coating Trick – Dipping the chicken in the egg mixture twice creates an even crispier crust.
🔹 Use a Thermometer – Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally for safe eating.
🔹 Try Different Spices – Add a teaspoon of curry powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning for unique flavors.
🔹 Air Fryer Alternative – For a healthier version, cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your crispy fried chicken with these delicious sides:
🍗 Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, cornbread.
🍗 Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo.
🍗 Lighter Options: Side salad, roasted veggies, steamed corn.
FAQs
1. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can replace buttermilk with milk, yogurt, or a mix of milk and vinegar for similar tenderness.
2. Why add cornstarch to the flour?
Cornstarch lightens the coating, making it extra crispy without being too thick.
3. How do I store and reheat fried chicken?
- Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 day.
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
4. Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Recipe Recap
📌 Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
📂 Recipe Categories:
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Keyword: Crispy fried chicken, no buttermilk fried chicken, easy fried chicken recipe
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Conclusion
You don’t need buttermilk to enjoy crispy, juicy, flavorful fried chicken at home! With simple substitutes and easy-to-follow steps, you can achieve golden, restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Try this recipe out and share how it turns out! Happy frying! 🍗🔥