5 Tangy And Tasty Buttermilk Substitutes For Fried Chicken

Have you ever found yourself craving some crispy, juicy fried chicken with no buttermilk in sight? Fear not, because I’ve got you covered! I’ve rounded up some of the most commonly used substitutes for buttermilk in fried chicken recipes so that you can enjoy your favorite dish, no matter what’s in your fridge.

Yogurt

This tangy, cultured dairy product is an excellent substitute for buttermilk in fried chicken. It has a similar acidity and thickness, making it a great choice for marinades for fried chicken. Yogurt also contains enzymes that help to tenderize the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.

To use yogurt as a substitute, simply use an equal amount of yogurt as you would buttermilk in your recipe. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of yogurt instead.

Milk and vinegar

If you have milk and vinegar on hand, you’re in luck! Milk and vinegar create a classic buttermilk substitute that is quick and easy to make. This simple mixture can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in a pinch.

Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles. The vinegar acid will help break down the milk, resulting in a similar texture to buttermilk and making it a great choice for a fried chicken marinade.

Milk and lemon juice

If you don’t have vinegar, go with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Like with vinegar, the acid in lemon juice can break down milk and create a buttermilk-like consistency. Mix 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice to make this substitute.

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles, then use it in your fried chicken recipe. The lemon juice will give your chicken a subtle lemon flavor, which pairs well with the crispy breading.

Cream of Tartar and milk

If you have the cream of tartar on hand, this is another option for substituting buttermilk in your fried chicken recipe. Cream of tartar is a dry, acidic powder that is commonly used in baking. When combined with milk, it creates a substitute for buttermilk that is similar in acidity and consistency.

To make this substitute, mix two teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk, and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and curdles, then use it as you would buttermilk in your fried chicken recipe.

Sour cream

Sour cream is another dairy product that can be used as a buttermilk substitute. It is thick, tangy, and has a similar acidity to buttermilk, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy alternative. In addition to being an effective substitute, sour cream can also add a rich, creamy flavor to your fried chicken that is sure to impress.

To use sour cream as a substitute, replace the buttermilk in your recipe with an equal amount of sour cream. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, use 1 cup of sour cream instead. When using sour cream in a marinade, it’s important to note that it can sometimes cause the breading to slip off the chicken, so be sure to give it plenty of time to soak in and really penetrate the meat.

Another tip is to avoid overcooking the chicken, as sour cream can sometimes cause it to become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.

So, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any buttermilk on hand, give sour cream a try in your next fried chicken recipe. It’s a delicious and convenient alternative that can be found in many kitchens or any grocery store in the world.

In conclusion, many options exist for substituting buttermilk in fried chicken recipes. Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for you. Whether you choose yogurt, a mixture of milk and vinegar, lemon juice, cream of tartar, sour cream, or a combination of these ingredients, you can still enjoy delicious, juicy fried chicken. Happy cooking!