Name: Fried Chicken Masala
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups buttermilk; 1/4 cup kosher salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground peppercorns; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds), cut into 8 serving pieces; Canola oil, for frying; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 2 teaspoons ground peppercorns; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Image may contain Food and Fried Chicken

Photo by Ben Fink

My friends Renée and Carl Behnke are consummate hosts and gourmands, and fried chicken is one of their favorite dishes to offer a hungry crowd. Renée's secret for an amazingly crispy and crunchy crust, which is now mine (and yours), is to let the chicken rest in flour as the oil heats. I have adapted her recipe, giving it an Indian twist. Indians (like many southern Americans) love buttermilk, so it's natural to use it as a liquid for the overnight brine. I add spices to the brine and flour coating to give the chicken an extra hit of flavor.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

It's Fried Chicken Time
Break your fear of frying at home with these 31 recipes for the quintessential Southern staple.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

It's Fried Chicken Time