Buttermilk-Brined Smoked Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs smoked with a tangy buttermilk brine, finished with a honey-maple glaze for a sweet-savory finish. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 240 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Add 8 bone-in chicken thighs, ensuring they're fully submerged, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Remove chicken from brine, patting dry thoroughly with paper towels, then rub with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken skin-side up on smoker grates and smoke for 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon maple syrup during the last 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Smoked Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (120 min prep + 120 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 Smoked Chicken Thighs?

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 thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Smoked Chicken Thighs?

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 Smoked Chicken Thighs 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 Smoked Chicken Thighs?

Southern 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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