Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated with Southern spices, served over crisp heirloom mixed greens and drizzled with a tangy buttermilk dressing. This Southern-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until crispy and charred, then flip and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken grills, whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth and tangy.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 6 cups mixed heirloom greens on a serving platter. Slice the grilled chicken thighs and place on top of the greens.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the buttermilk dressing generously over the chicken and greens and serve immediately, enjoying the smoky, fresh Southern flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens?

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 Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens 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 Grilled Farmstead Chicken with Buttermilk Dressing and Heirloom Greens?

Southern bbq & smoked 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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