Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken marinated overnight in tangy buttermilk and finished with a sticky honey glaze for a sweet-savory Southern classic. This southern united states-inspired chicken ready in about 540 minutes blends buttermilk, hot sauce, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 510 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern United States cuisine 600 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce. Add 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a large shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in seasoned flour until fully coated. Place on a wire rack and let rest 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, enough for 2-inch depth. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 1/3 cup honey and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Heat gently until combined and warm.
  6. Step 6: Brush the honey glaze over the hot fried chicken pieces just before serving for a sticky, sweet finish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 540 minutes (510 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade?

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 Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade 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 Honey-Glazed Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade?

Southern United States 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.

Related recipes