Dirty Bird / Crispy Fried Chicken

This is the fried chicken recipe you've been waiting for. A buttermilk soak keeps every piece incredibly juicy, and a generous coating of DAM Dirty Bird Seasoning in both the marinade and the flour dredge means bold, savory, garlicky flavor in every single bite. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — every time.

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 3 to 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, or a mix)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Dam Spice Co. Dirty Bird Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

For the dredge:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Dam Spice Co. Dirty Bird Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crunch)

For frying:

• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut), for frying

Instructions

1. Marinate: Mix buttermilk, 2 tablespoons Dirty Bird, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — overnight is best.
2. Make the dredge: Whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons Dirty Bird, and baking powder in a shallow dish.
3. Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk one piece at a time, letting the excess drip off. Press firmly into the flour mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. For extra crunch, dip back in the buttermilk and dredge a second time.
4. Heat the oil: In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 325°F to 350°F.
5. Fry: Working in batches, fry chicken pieces without crowding. Cook dark meat for 12 to 15 minutes, white meat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Drain and rest: Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet (not paper towels, which trap steam). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Keep the oil temperature steady: Adding chicken drops the oil temp — don't rush. Let it recover between batches.
• Don't skip the rack: Resting on a wire rack keeps the bottom crust just as crispy as the top.
• Make it a sandwich: Serve on a brioche bun with pickles, slaw, and a drizzle of honey for a Dirty Bird chicken sandwich.

Pick up your Dirty Bird Seasoning and fry up something unforgettable.