• Search
  • Saved Recipes
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Saved Recipes

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » American » BBQ + Grilling » Buttermilk Chicken

Buttermilk Chicken

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
March 17, 2020
4.80 from 29 votes


Last Updated January 9, 2023 | 0 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

69 shares
jump to recipe

These Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make with simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a new go-to chicken marinade, this is it!

Buttermilk Chicken in a row

Buttermilk Chicken Recipe

The rumors you may have heard are true–buttermilk and chicken go together perfectly, and buttermilk works wonders as a marinade. With garlic and shallots, Italian herbs for freshness, and a bit of a kick from just a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, this particular marinade’s burst of flavor is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. 

These delicious drumsticks are ready in just 45 minutes (including only five minutes of prep). They’re also super versatile and can be served with various sides. Any dark meat will do–I usually use this marinade for drumsticks, but thighs would also be delicious. If you’re looking for a new chicken dish for the family dinner rotation, this might be the one!

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken (Grilled)

Add the buttermilk, garlic, shallots, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a medium bowl and whisk. Pour the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag (double bag recommended!) or baking dish. Carefully add the chicken to the bag or dish and toss it to coat. Seal or tightly cover your container and stick it in the fridge overnight for best results (or for at least four hours), turning the chicken twice. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before you’re ready to grill.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium-low heat. Discard any excess buttermilk marinade. Cover your grill and let the chicken cook for 30-40 minutes (or until golden brown), turning it occasionally. Once it’s cooked through, it’s ready to serve!

close up of buttermilk chicken

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks

Prepare and marinate the chicken as instructed. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet, discarding any leftover buttermilk marinade. Bake the drumsticks for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F as measured with a digital meat thermometer.

What to Serve With Buttermilk Chicken

This buttermilk chicken is quite versatile and works well with just about any side dish. Some of my favorites are mashed potatoes, Spanish rice, veggie skewers, or sautéed veggie (like carrots or green beans). Even a simple side salad and rolls or biscuits will do the trick alongside this flavorful chicken. 

Storage and Freezing

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll reheat nicely in the microwave, oven, or even air fryer. Try the reheated chicken with hot sauce, lemon juice, or extra cayenne pepper next time if you like a bit of an extra kick! 

More Chicken Recipes:

  • Chicken Soup
  • Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken
  • Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
  • Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Broccoli Salad Bowl

If you try making this Buttermilk Chicken Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.

Buttermilk Chicken with crisp skin
Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks

Buttermilk Chicken

4.80 from 29 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
These Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make with simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a new go-to chicken marinade, this is it!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Marinating Time 4 hrs
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 pounds chicken drumsticks - thighs would also be delicious
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 6 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 large shallots - minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic, shallots, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour buttermilk mixture into a large ziplock bag or baking dish (I always double bag when using a ziplock bag). Carefully add the chicken and toss to coat. Seal or tightly cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight; turn chicken once or twice. Remove chicken 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Heat grill to medium-low and place marinated chicken on the grill. Discard the marinade. Cover the grill and cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Jessica’s Notes

Recipe inspired by She Wears Many Hats

Nutritional Information

Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 1066mg | Potassium: 557mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 1.5mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Buttermilk Chicken Drumsticks
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

69 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
  • Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl
  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip Cheese Pull with a tortilla chip. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video)
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure