Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb Glaze
Crispy buttermilk-battered chicken drizzled with a bright lemon-herb glaze that cuts through the richness with a perfect sour-sweet balance. This american-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless 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 480 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 lb boneless chicken thighs in a bowl, cover with 1 cup buttermilk, and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp cornstarch; remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture until fully coated.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp chopped thyme; simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then drizzle over chicken and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb 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 Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Golden Buttermilk Chicken with Lemon-Herb 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to quick meals dish. We make it weekly.