Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender Glaze
Crispy buttermilk-brined chicken thighs with a sweet honey-lavender glaze, celebrating the most common surname across all U.S. census demographics. This southern-inspired grilling ready in about 60 minutes pairs 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lavender flowers
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups buttermilk, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs chicken thighs to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to marinate.
- Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 5: Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F; carefully add chicken in batches and fry for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 6: While chicken fries, combine 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried lavender flowers, and 1/4 cup chicken broth in a small saucepan; simmer for 3 minutes until thickened and glossy, then brush over hot chicken.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (45 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 Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender 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 Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender 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 Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender 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 Williams' Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Honey-Lavender Glaze?
Southern grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
