Buttermilk-Fried Chicken with Hot Honey Glaze

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

Crispy, golden chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and finished with a sweet-spicy honey glaze, perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 80 minutes pairs bone-in 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 700 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: 60 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 cup buttermilk and let marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer) over medium-high heat.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Carefully place chicken in hot oil and fry for 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: While chicken fries, whisk 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup hot sauce in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: Transfer chicken to a wire rack to drain, then brush generously with the hot honey glaze while still hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 80 minutes (60 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 Hot 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 buttermilk from drying out.

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

American kid friendly 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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