Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning

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

Tender chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a mix of herbs and garlic, then pan-fried until golden and juicy. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs skin-on 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken thighs, skin-on, and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge each thigh in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in skillet and cook for 8 minutes without moving, until skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for 6-8 minutes more, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning?

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 skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning?

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-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning 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-Brined Chicken Thighs with Herb-Garlic Seasoning?

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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