Juicy & Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken w/ Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal gives a crunch.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

chicken leg pieces

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Skinless thighs are leaner, while drumsticks are often cheaper.

Prepare the buttermilk marinade by mixing 1 quart of buttermilk with 4 tablespoons of Louisiana style hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 2-3 tablespoons of fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 4 teaspoons of black pepper, 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning, and 1.5 teaspoons of celery salt.

Taste the marinade and adjust salt if necessary.

Place the chicken (4 thighs, 6 drumsticks, and 6 wings) into a 2.5-gallon Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all chicken is coated.

Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (up to overnight).

After marinating, prepare the batter by mixing 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of corn starch, 1 tablespoon of table salt, and 1 tablespoon of black pepper in a bowl.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the batter to adhere better.

While the chicken is resting, prepare the jalapeno cheddar cornbread muffins by mixing 1 cup of self-rising cornmeal mix, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/4 cup of canola oil in a bowl. Chop jalapenos and add them to the mixture.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease muffin tins with butter.

Pour the cornbread mixture into the muffin tins and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Make honey butter by mixing a stick of room temperature unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of salt. Adjust honey to taste.

Once the cornbread muffins are done, top them with honey butter.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens