For many, buttermilk is a staple ingredient in creating that perfect fried chicken coating, but what if you don’t have any on hand or don’t like the taste? Fear not, because plenty of alternative ingredients and techniques can give you the same mouth-watering result. Whether you’re a fried chicken fanatic or just looking to switch up your cooking routine, this recipe will make you want more. So if you are wondering how to make fried chicken without buttermilk…we have a few tricks for you.
Why is buttermilk used to make fried chicken?
Buttermilk has become a popular ingredient for fried chicken, and for a good reason. It’s often used as a marinade to tenderize the chicken, producing juicy and flavorful meat. Buttermilk also adds a tangy flavor to the batter, giving it a unique twist that complements the savory taste of the chicken.
Buttermilk is also crucial in creating that iconic crispy coating we all love. When mixed with flour and other seasonings, the acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking powder, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that give the batter a light and airy texture. This texture, combined with the high heat of the oil, creates a crunchy crust that locks in the moisture of the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy interior.
Can fried chicken be made without buttermilk?
The answer is yes! While buttermilk has become famous for creating that perfect fried chicken coating, it’s not the only option available. Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or don’t have any buttermilk on hand, there are several alternative ingredients that you can use to achieve a crispy and flavorful result.
Buttermilk substitutes
Here are some common buttermilk substitutes that you can use to make fried chicken:
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a popular buttermilk substitute because it has a similar tangy flavor and acidic content. You can use plain yogurt; if it’s too thick, you can thin it down with water to achieve the desired consistency. Yogurt can add extra flavor to your chicken and help to tenderize it.
- Milk and lemon juice: This is an excellent substitute for buttermilk if you don’t have any on hand. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice and let it thicken for a few minutes. This mixture will create a tangy and creamy texture, similar to buttermilk.
- Cornstarch slurry: You can make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. This will help the chicken stay moist and tender and give it a crunchy texture when fried.
- All-purpose flour and eggs: This is an excellent substitute for buttermilk if you want a crispy coating on your fried chicken. Whisk some eggs and milk together, then dip the chicken in flour before frying. This mixture will create a crunchy and golden crust on your chicken.
- Almond milk: Almond milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for buttermilk. It has a nutty flavor and can add extra richness and creaminess to your fried chicken. Add vinegar or lemon juice to the almond milk to give it a tangy taste.
- Papaya: Papaya is an unusual but adequate substitute for buttermilk. The papaya enzymes can help tenderize the chicken and give it a juicy texture. Blend some ripe papaya with some water to create a smooth puree, and use it as a marinade for your chicken before frying.
How to Store Fried Chicken
If you’ve made fried chicken without buttermilk and have leftovers, you might be wondering how to store it properly. Here are a few tips to keep your fried chicken fresh and delicious:
- Allow the fried chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use a plastic container with a tight lid or a resealable plastic bag.
- You can store fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date.
How to Make Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2lb. chicken (thighs, legs, breasts, or wings)
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp. salt, divided
- 1 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp. paprika, ground
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Also, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add eggs, 1 tsp. Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; whisk well.
- Mix flour, 2 tsp. of salt, paprika, and Italian seasoning in another bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Pour 1” of oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded.
- Cook each side of the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes or until the color turns golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chicken thighs, legs, breasts, or wings
- 4 eggs beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp. salt divided
- 1 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp. paprika ground
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Also, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add eggs, 1 tsp. salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; whisk well.
- Mix flour, 2 tsp. of salt, paprika, and Italian seasoning in another bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Place the chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Pour 1” of oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded.
- Cook each side of the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes or until the color turns golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What Sides Go with Fried Chicken?
Coleslaw
Fried chicken has such a great crunch and savory bite that it is practically begging for a saucy veggie side. That is why coleslaw is the perfect side for fried chicken. Coleslaw combines cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing to make a tangy cabbage dish that is perfect with crunchy fried chicken!
Elotes
This delicious Mexican-style side dish is the perfect match for fried chicken. Elotes is a dish made with corn, sour cream, spices, and cotija cheese. It has sweetness from the corn, sourness from the cream, heat from the spices, and tang from the cheese. It is a perfect medley of flavor, and the only thing that can make it better is pairing it with fried chicken!
Peaches
It might sound a little funky to pair fruit with fried chicken, but it is too tasty to miss! The fresh, fruity, and juice flavors found in peaches bring out the best in fried chicken. Take your plate to a new height by cutting a peach in half and then grilling it before serving it alongside the perfect portion of fried chicken. It’s a meal that looks great and tastes even better!
Biscuits
Warm buttery biscuits are the perfect carb for a meaty main dish like fried chicken. The perfect biscuit is full of flaky layers of buttery dough, and they taste so great! Pairing biscuits with fried chicken is great for making mini sandwiches or just soaking up the delicious chicken grease.
Zucchini and Squash
Maybe it’s because in the summertime, you can open the window to air out the smell of the fryer, but something about fried chicken says summertime. That is why serving this poultry with summer veggies like zucchini and summer squash is always delicious! Try grilled or sauteed zucchini to bring some fresh vegetable flavor to your favorite fried chicken.
Macaroni and Cheese
There is nothing as heartwarming or hunger-inducing as the sight of a full plate of fried chicken with macaroni and cheese. This warm pasta side has all the saucy goodness you need to balance the crunchy breaded chicken. Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, macaroni and cheese is always delicious with fried chicken.
Potatoes Au Gratin
This cheesy presentation of potatoes is the perfect match for the crunchy flavors of fried chicken! Potatoes au gratin is a type of scalloped potato dish where thin slices of potatoes are layered with cheese and cream and then baked into luscious perfection. This casserole-style side dish is easy to make and tastes great next to the breaded flavors in fried chicken.
Greens
Warm greens can bring so much to the crunchy flavors of fried chicken. It’s a classic comfort combo. Whether you like kale, mustard greens, or collard greens, there is nothing like warm greens with chicken! Cook the greens in bacon grease for extra flavor, and you will have the greatest side for fried chicken!
Waffles
Fried chicken and waffles are a delicious American Southern tradition. Something magical happens when crunchy chicken meets soft fluffy waffles. Whether you cover it in syrup or honey mustard, it’s the perfect thing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Egg Salad
Egg salad is just the creamy and saucy side your fried chicken is looking for. It is a blend of hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise-based dressing, and seasonings. It can be made into sandwiches or enjoyed as a side dish, and alongside fried chicken, this saucy side is just right!
Fried Green Tomatoes
This classic American Southern side dish is the perfect complement to the flavor of fried chicken. Fried green tomatoes are tangy and fresh with just enough crunch. That is what makes them so satisfying when they are served with deliciously juicy fried chicken.
Cold Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad comes in many different forms, but this chilly carb dish is a great side dish for fried chicken. Typically, a pasta salad is a medley of noodles, cheese, veggies, and sometimes meat in an oil-based dressing. Everyone has their favorite rendition, but something about the cold pasta just jives with hot and crunchy fried chicken.