18 Best Buttermilk Substitutes for Crispy Fried Chicken

Many people love fried chicken because it’s crispy on the outside and juicy, flavorful on the inside. Buttermilk is often used in fried chicken recipes because it helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a great tangy taste. You might not have buttermilk, though, when you really want fried chicken. No need to worry—there are many simple things you can use instead of buttermilk to make the same tasty, crispy fried chicken!

Why Use Buttermilk for Fried Chicken?

Traditional fried chicken recipes call for soaking chicken pieces in buttermilk before dredging them in flour and frying, But why is buttermilk used in the first place? Here are some of the benefits buttermilk provides for fried chicken

• Tenderizes the Meat – The lactic acid in buttermilk helps break down tough proteins and tenderize the chicken. This results in juicy, tender meat when fried.

• It gives the chicken a tangy flavor because buttermilk is acidic and tangy. This complements the crispy coating and seasoning beautifully.

• Adheres the Coating – The thick consistency of buttermilk allows the flour dredge to adhere nicely to the meat, creating a crispy exterior when fried.

• Keeps Chicken Moist – The milk proteins and fat in buttermilk keep the chicken nice and moist, so it doesn’t dry out during frying.

When searching for a buttermilk substitute, look for ingredients that can provide some or all of these qualities.

18 Great Buttermilk Substitutes for Fried Chicken

If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t skip making fried chicken! Here are 18 handy ingredient substitutes to use instead:

1. Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is an ideal buttermilk swap-in. It has a similar thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor. Use plain whole milk yogurt for best results. Dilute with a bit of milk if needed to thin out the consistency.

2. Sour Cream

Since sour cream is made by fermenting cream, it has the same thick texture and sour taste as buttermilk. Before marinating chicken, thin it out with milk or water until it’s the same thickness as buttermilk.

3. Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar

The acidity in lemon juice or vinegar reacts with milk to curdle it and provide tangy flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio of milk to acid and let sit briefly before using.

4. Milk + Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar makes milk more acidic without changing the taste. About 1 3⁄4 teaspoons per cup of milk can be used instead of buttermilk.

5. Kefir

This fermented milk drink has a consistency and tang similar to buttermilk. Substitute kefir 1:1 in any fried chicken recipe.

6. Buttermilk Powder + Water

Rehydrate buttermilk powder with water according to package directions to reconstitute it into liquid buttermilk.

7. Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Coconut milk with added acidity makes a tasty dairy-free buttermilk substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio of coconut milk to lemon juice or vinegar.

8. Cashew Milk + Lemon Juice

For a nutty flavor, cashew milk soured with lemon juice can replace buttermilk in fried chicken.

9. Silken Tofu + Water + Acid

Blended silken tofu, water and lemon juice or vinegar creates a vegan buttermilk replacement. Adjust consistency as needed.

10. Heavy Cream + Vinegar

The fat in heavy cream keeps chicken moist and flavorful. Balance with vinegar for buttermilk-like tang.

11. Evaporated Milk

Slightly thicker than regular milk, evaporated milk mimics buttermilk’s viscosity. Add lemon juice or vinegar for tang.

12. Plain Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt, with plenty of tangy flavor. Thin with milk to equal buttermilk.

13. Labneh

This strained yogurt cheese has an ultra-thick, spreadable consistency. Dilute with milk and add lemon juice to approximate buttermilk.

14. Creme Fraiche

The cultured cream used in French cooking can substitute for buttermilk thanks to its thickness and tanginess.

15. Sour Milk

If you have milk that’s naturally soured, don’t throw it out! Use it for fried chicken instead of buttermilk.

16. Lactose-Free Milk + Lemon Juice

Lactose-intolerant? Sour lactose-free milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk alternative.

17. Whey

The liquid byproduct of making cheeses like ricotta adds moisture and tenderizing qualities similar to buttermilk.

18. Brine

Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before frying helps keep it tender and moist.

With so many handy ingredient swaps, there’s no need to skip making your favorite fried chicken recipe when you’re out of buttermilk. From yogurt to soured milks and creams, you’re sure to find a substitute that works for you. Now get frying up some finger-lickin’ delicious southern fried chicken, buttermilk or no buttermilk!