Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and braised with garlic and fresh thyme for a moist, flavorful centerpiece. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, buttermilk, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish; add chicken thighs, turning to coat, and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from buttermilk, discarding excess, and pat dry. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken skin-side down; cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, flip, and cook 2 minutes more.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup fresh thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth, scraping pan bottom, and cover skillet.
  5. Step 5: Simmer on low for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep buttermilk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Thyme?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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