Buttermilk Fried Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

(635)
55 min4333 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

The Two-Zone Setup

I always set up my grill with a hot zone and a cooler zone. Start chicken skin-side down over direct heat to get that char, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

Temperature is Everything

Use a thermometer and maintain oil at 175°C (350°F). Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool and the coating absorbs oil and gets greasy instead of crispy.

About This Recipe

Buttermilk Fried Chicken holds a special place in Canadian kitchens, and it's easy to see why. The marination in buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika and a hint of cayenne. This dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends, bringing the family together around a table filled with warmth and laughter. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful meat, making each bite a delight that leaves everyone asking for more.

What makes this recipe particularly beloved is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients easily sourced from your local grocery store, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. The combination of spices and the BBQ sauce adds depth and a touch of sweetness, making it a standout option for meal prep or impressing guests. It's no wonder this Buttermilk Fried Chicken has become a staple in Canadian homes, cherished for both its flavour and ease of preparation.

Tips for the Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken

To achieve the perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken, it's crucial to ensure your oil is at the right temperature—ideally around 175°C (350°F) before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that beautifully crispy coating while keeping the meat juicy. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach at least 74°C (165°F) to ensure it's cooked through. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.

What to Serve With It

This Buttermilk Fried Chicken is fantastic served alongside classic Canadian sides like creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes topped with gravy or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A chilled Canadian beer or a homemade lemonade can beautifully complement the smoky, spicy flavors of the chicken, making for a delightful family feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Buttermilk Fried Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying it out, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

333
Calories
25g
Protein
13g
Fat
29g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar2g
Sodium659mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?+

While you can use skinless chicken, keep in mind that the skin contributes to the crispy texture and flavor. If using skinless, consider adjusting cooking times to prevent dryness.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?+

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?+

Yes, you can air fry Buttermilk Fried Chicken! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?+

A smoky BBQ sauce complements the spices well, but you can use any variety you enjoy. Just make sure it's not too sweet, as it may overpower the other flavors.

Is it possible to marinate the chicken overnight?+

Absolutely! Marinating overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator during the marination process.

Reviews

4.7 / 5 (635 reviews)
Justin S.
Dec 16, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Michelle V.
Jul 28, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

Nicole X.
Dec 18, 2025

Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
40 min
Total:
55 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

BBQ & Smoked Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This is THE Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe you have been looking for.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Buttermilk Fried Chicken - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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