Buttermilk Chicken Recipe

Get ready for juicy, flavor-packed chicken that’s perfect for your next backyard barbecue or cozy Sunday supper! This Buttermilk Chicken Recipe turns humble chicken into a showstopping main, thanks to a tangy buttermilk marinade and a bold blend of spices. You won’t believe how little effort it takes to create irresistible, golden grilled chicken with an unforgettable balance of tenderness and zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of familiar ingredients to make this Buttermilk Chicken Recipe shine. Each one serves a special purpose—tenderizing, adding depth of flavor, or bringing that craveable golden color to every bite.

• Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses bold, aromatic flavor straight into the marinade and the meat.
• Buttermilk: The MVP—its acidity tenderizes the chicken beautifully and guarantees moist, juicy results.
• Mustard powder: Adds subtle sharpness and earthy notes, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• Sriracha: Brings gentle heat and a trace of sweetness; adjust to taste if you like a little more (or less) kick.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; it enhances every other flavor in this recipe.
• Paprika: Adds smoky color and a gentle warmth—smoked or sweet paprika both work wonderfully here.
• Chicken drumsticks and thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These cuts stay juicy and flavorful on the grill while the skin crisps up beautifully.
• Vegetable oil: For brushing on the grill grates, ensuring the chicken doesn’t stick and achieves the perfect char.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A generous sprinkle over the top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Variations

This Buttermilk Chicken Recipe is just begging to be customized! Don’t be shy—mix up the spices, adjust the heat, or swap in your favorite cuts to truly make the dish your own and suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Boneless Chicken: Swap in boneless thighs or breasts; reduce grill time and watch for doneness, as they cook faster.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for an extra kick in the marinade.
• Herby Twist: Stir fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade for garden-fresh flavor.
• Oven-Baked Option: No grill? Simply bake marinated chicken pieces at 400°F until golden and cooked through.

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the minced garlic, creamy buttermilk, mustard powder, sriracha, salt, and paprika. The mixture should be smooth with a gorgeous, sunshiny hue—this is where all that tangy, robust flavor begins.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Nestle your drumsticks and thighs into a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade right over the top. Seal the bag and gently turn to fully coat every piece, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or let it luxuriate overnight for truly magical tenderness.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill

Fire up your outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat, and, if you can, set up an indirect heat area as well. Lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil to keep your chicken from sticking and to achieve that beautiful, even char.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip away, and place it on the grill over direct heat. Cook for 16 to 18 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is lightly blistered and a thermometer reads 165°F. If you get a flare-up, simply move the chicken to the indirect heat side to finish cooking gently.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer your perfectly grilled Buttermilk Chicken to a platter, shower it with fresh chopped parsley, and get ready for rave reviews at the table. The aroma alone is swoon-worthy!

How to Serve Buttermilk Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness right before serving. For an extra-special touch, scatter on some thinly sliced green onions or give the platter a squeeze of bright lemon juice just before bringing it to the table.

Side Dishes

This Buttermilk Chicken Recipe plays so well with cool, creamy sides like classic potato salad, crisp coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. For a lighter pairing, toss together a bright cucumber-tomato salad or slice up some juicy summer watermelon.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on a big rustic platter at the center of a family-style table for maximum visual appeal. Or, for parties, arrange drumsticks and thighs on skewers with grilled veggies and fresh herbs for easy, pick-up-and-eat fun. Leftover chicken? Pile it onto warm biscuits with a swipe of honey or tuck into wraps for a next-day lunch you’ll look forward to!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Buttermilk Chicken cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This chicken absolutely shines cold and is perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or even a hearty salad topper the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a near-instant meal later on.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F, covered lightly with foil, until warmed through and the skin perks up—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quick fix, you can also use the microwave, but expect the skin to be softer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, this Buttermilk Chicken Recipe deserves a place at the top of your must-cook list. The aroma, the flavor, and the jaw-dropping tenderness always win big smiles—give it a try, and watch it become your own family favorite!

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