Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy Garlic Glaze

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

Golden chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and spices, finished with a sticky-sweet glaze that balances heat and herbal notes for an irresistible weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a bowl. Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Pat dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sriracha, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate. Brush with honey-sriracha glaze and return to skillet for 1 minute to set the glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy Garlic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy 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 Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy 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 Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy 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.

What goes well with Crisp-Skinned Buttermilk Chicken with Spicy Garlic Glaze?

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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