How does Soaking chicken in buttermilk help?

Soaking chicken or other meats in buttermilk make the meat tender. While harsher acids like lemon juice or vinegar can tenderize, they can also dry out the meat. But soaking chicken in buttermilk helps the chicken stay juicy while tenderizing the meat.

How long can you leave chicken soaking in buttermilk?

Best of all, you can leave the marinating bird in the fridge for up to two days; thus, it gets more tender and you know you have a dinner that needs no more than to be popped into the oven.

How does buttermilk tenderize chicken?

Because buttermilk is only slightly acidic, it is capable of tenderizing chicken without toughening up the meat like stronger marinating acids do (lemon and vinegar, among others). The enzymes present in buttermilk also help in breaking down the protein in the chicken, resulting in tender, flavorful fried chicken.

What do you soak chicken in before frying?

Don’t rush it. The best fried chicken needs a long and luxurious soak in the buttermilk brine. Aim for the chicken pieces to spend at least 24 hours in the liquid with a maximum of 48 hours.

Can chicken marinate in buttermilk too long?

When you’re using a probiotic type of marinade like buttermilk or yogurt, letting your chicken soak in it overnight is ideal. If you go much longer than that then you might end up with a tough chicken instead of a tender one. …

How long can raw chicken marinate in buttermilk?

Marinate the chicken for a long time—Do a 24-hour brine, and do it with full-fat buttermilk. Buttermilk is KEY to making a soft, tender chicken. The acidity of the buttermilk helps to break down protein structures in the chicken, meaning after 24 hours it becomes way less chewy and retains better moisture.

How long should you brine chicken before frying?

Combine brine mixture with remaining cold water in a large bowl or deep baking dish. Add chicken to bowl, making sure chicken is covered with the brining liquid. Store in fridge at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.

Can you use buttermilk instead of milk in fried chicken?

Buttermilk can replace the milk. Another version of Southern fried chicken soaks it in a buttermilk marinade for at least 6 hours. This ensures the chicken is juicy and can help the flour stick better. Replace the milk with evaporated milk if you prefer.

How do you cook fried chicken without milk in it?

Heat the oven to 400 F. Put the chicken pieces on a rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and crisp. Buttermilk can replace the milk. Another version of Southern fried chicken soaks it in a buttermilk marinade for at least 6 hours.

How do you use buttermilk to marinate chicken?

Transfer one marinated chicken piece at a time into the dry ingredient bag, and shake well to ensure complete coverage. After all chicken pieces are coated, repeat the process by dipping them in the buttermilk marinade and shaking in the dry coating again.

What is the best way to serve fried chicken?

This is a basic Southern fried chicken recipe, and it is easy and delicious. Serve this crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes and coleslaw, along with steamed broccoli or another favorite side dish. Use bone-in chicken pieces in this recipe.