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Prairie Fried Chicken

Prairie fried chicken recipe: buttermilk-soaked chicken with a craggy, golden, seasoned crust — a Canadian picnic and church-supper favorite, juicy and crisp.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Fried chicken has graced prairie tables for generations — at church picnics, harvest meals, and family reunions, the big cast-iron skillet was made for exactly this. It is the food that shows up in baskets at every summer gathering, and the recipe every prairie cook learned at someone’s elbow.

This version gets its deep flavor from an overnight soak in buttermilk and a well-seasoned flour coating that turns shatteringly crisp in the hot oil. The meat stays juicy and tender inside while the crust crackles with every bite. It is a little work, but the payoff is the best fried chicken you will ever make.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, turning to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
  4. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep cast-iron skillet to 350°F.
  5. Fry the chicken in batches without crowding, 12 to 15 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
  6. Drain the chicken on a wire rack set over paper towels so the crust stays crisp.
  7. Serve warm, or at room temperature picnic-style.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The buttermilk soak is non-negotiable — it tenderizes the meat and helps the crust cling. Do not crowd the skillet or the temperature will drop and the chicken will come out greasy. Leftover fried chicken is wonderful cold, straight from the fridge.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →