Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Dill
Tender chicken thighs braised in buttermilk and fresh dill, with a bright herb finish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dill weed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then place in a bowl and cover with 1 cup buttermilk. Let marinate for 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Step 2: Dredge each thigh in 1/4 cup flour, shaking off excess. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the liquid, then add 1 tbsp dill weed. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Remove chicken, then stir 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill into the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet to coat, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Dill 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 with Dill?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Dill?
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 with Dill 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 with Dill?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Served this for Sunday dinner with roasted veggies; the dill infusion was perfect.
- ★★★★★
The buttermilk braising made the chicken incredibly tender—my kids asked for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
A great weeknight meal, though the braising time was 30 mins longer than listed.
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