Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic Glaze
Crispy, golden fried chicken thighs glazed with a sweet-and-savory honey-garlic sauce, served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort meal. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs 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 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix buttermilk with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In another bowl, combine flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, 2 tbsp water, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp butter until melted.
- Step 5: Serve chicken with honey-garlic sauce drizzled over top, accompanied by mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic 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 thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic 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 Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic 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.
Is Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Garlic Glaze gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.