Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken brined in buttermilk for tenderness, finished with a sticky spicy honey glaze for a festive twist. This american-inspired holiday ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, buttermilk, divided salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups buttermilk with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Submerge 8 chicken drumsticks in the buttermilk brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove the drumsticks from the brine, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1/4 cup honey and 2 tbsp hot sauce over medium heat. Stir until the glaze is warm and slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Toss the fried chicken in the spicy honey glaze to coat evenly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze?

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 chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze?

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 Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze 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 Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze?

American holiday 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

Related recipes