Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, house-smoked chicken thighs paired with flaky, golden buttermilk biscuits, finished with a savory herb butter. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs ounces smoked chicken thighs, buttermilk, tablespoons all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Brush the mixture evenly over 12 ounces smoked chicken thighs (skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces) placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While the chicken bakes, prepare the biscuits: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Using a pastry cutter, cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup buttermilk until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 3-4 times to bring together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle, then cut into 8 squares. Place the squares on a second parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 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 Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits?

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 ounces smoked chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits?

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 Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits 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 Smoked Herb Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits?

Southern 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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