Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Sauteed Greens and Grits

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs braised in tangy buttermilk served with creamy cheese grits and garlicky sautéed greens for a comforting Southern-inspired meal. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, buttermilk, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 650 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and brown chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Step 3: Pour remaining buttermilk marinade into the skillet with chicken, bring to a simmer, then transfer to the oven and braise uncovered for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, bring 4 cups chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Stir 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits until melted and creamy.
  6. Step 6: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 6 cups chopped kale and cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes until wilted and tender. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the braised chicken atop the cheesy grits with a side of garlicky sautéed kale.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Braised Chicken with Sauteed Greens and Grits take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Sauteed Greens and Grits?

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 Sauteed Greens and Grits?

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 Sauteed Greens and Grits 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 Sauteed Greens and Grits?

Southern 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.

Related recipes