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Delicious buttermilk fried chicken and honey butter cornbread served on a wooden table in soft natural light.

Soulful Southern Delight: Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Honey Butter Cornbread

Elias Grant
Experience a taste of the South with this classic combination of crispy buttermilk fried chicken paired with sweet honey butter cornbread. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for celebrating MLK Day!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Bread, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
  • 2 cups Buttermilk
  • 1 cup Cornmeal
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter
  • To taste Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 cup Milk

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk - Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are coated evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor. - For a more flavorful marinade, add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices to the buttermilk mixture.
  • Prepare the Honey Butter Cornbread Batter - In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk, eggs, and honey until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cornbread tender. - Try adding a handful of chopped jalapeños or cheese to the cornbread batter for a spicy or cheesy twist.
  • Coat and Fry the Chicken - In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. - Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy and evenly cooked fried chicken.
  • Bake the Honey Butter Cornbread - Pour the cornbread batter into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - For a richer cornbread, swap some of the milk with buttermilk and add an extra drizzle of honey on top before baking.
  • Serve and Enjoy! - Slice the honey butter cornbread and serve alongside the crispy buttermilk fried chicken. Drizzle extra honey butter on the cornbread for a touch of sweetness and enjoy the perfect pairing of flavors. - Complete the meal with classic Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, or coleslaw for a true taste of the South.