BBQ Buttermilk Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful BBQ

BBQ Buttermilk Chicken: Prepare to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner! Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender chicken, infused with the tangy goodness of buttermilk and slathered in a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. This isn’t just chicken; it’s an experience.

While barbecue traditions vary widely across the United States, the combination of buttermilk and barbecue sauce offers a delightful twist on classic Southern comfort food. Buttermilk, a staple in Southern kitchens, tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. The addition of barbecue sauce elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

People adore BBQ Buttermilk Chicken for its incredible flavor profile. The buttermilk marinade creates an unbelievably tender texture, while the barbecue sauce provides a sweet and smoky counterpoint. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation combined with the mouthwatering taste makes this BBQ Buttermilk Chicken a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet sensational dish!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Breading:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For the BBQ Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)

Marinating the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to marinate the chicken. This is crucial for tender, flavorful BBQ buttermilk chicken. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. This will help tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor will be! I usually aim for at least 8 hours.

Preparing the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the breading. This is where we’ll get that crispy, flavorful coating that makes this chicken so irresistible.

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a wide bowl), whisk together the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. This will ensure an even distribution of flavor in the breading.
3. Set the breading aside. We’ll need it later when the chicken is ready to be fried.

Making the BBQ Sauce

Now, let’s whip up the BBQ sauce. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce, but I highly recommend making your own. It’s so much better, and you can customize it to your liking!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Stir the ingredients together well.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or cayenne pepper for heat.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Frying the Chicken

Alright, it’s time to fry the chicken! This is where the magic happens. Make sure you have everything ready before you start, as the frying process goes relatively quickly.

1. Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces, about 3-4 inches deep.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. It’s crucial to maintain the correct temperature for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
3. While the oil is heating, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off.
4. Dredge each chicken piece in the breading mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
5. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
6. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per batch, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Coating the Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Almost there! Now for the grand finale: coating the crispy fried chicken in that delicious homemade BBQ sauce.

1. In a large bowl, add the fried chicken pieces.
2. Pour the warm BBQ sauce over the chicken.
3. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece is covered in that sweet and tangy goodness.

Serving

And that’s it! Your BBQ buttermilk chicken is ready to be served. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or mac and cheese.
• For a fun twist, serve the chicken on slider buns with coleslaw for BBQ chicken sliders.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your BBQ buttermilk chicken is a success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer. This is the best way to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
• Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying. This will help it stay crispy.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor.
• Make the BBQ sauce ahead of time. This will save you time on the day you’re frying the chicken.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover BBQ buttermilk chicken (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store it:

• Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer for best results. Microwaving can make it soggy.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for BBQ buttermilk chicken as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This BBQ buttermilk chicken recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! The tangy buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken to juicy perfection, while the smoky BBQ sauce creates a caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, the combination is a game-changer. You absolutely have to try it.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends, and it’s versatile enough to be the star of your next backyard barbecue. Forget dry, boring chicken – this recipe guarantees moist, flavorful chicken every single time.

But the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic BBQ Chicken Dinner: Serve it with creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans for the ultimate BBQ experience.
* BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and pile it high on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like pickles, onions, and extra BBQ sauce.
* BBQ Chicken Salad: Dice the chicken and toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and delicious lunch.
* BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use the chicken as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza dough, along with red onions, cilantro, and mozzarella cheese.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a fiery kick.
* Sweeten it Up: Use a honey-based BBQ sauce for a sweeter, more caramelized finish.
* Herb it Up: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
* Grill it Up: Instead of baking, grill the chicken over medium heat for a smoky, charred flavor. Just be sure to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.

I’m confident that this BBQ buttermilk chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a guaranteed way to satisfy your BBQ cravings.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven (or grill!), and get ready to experience the best BBQ chicken you’ve ever tasted. I’m so excited for you to try it!

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!