Description

Buttermilk Chicken on the Grill is a juicy, tender, and flavorful grilled chicken recipe that uses a tangy buttermilk marinade to tenderize the meat and infuse it with bold, zesty flavors. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings and easy to customize, this recipe delivers smoky grilled goodness with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 2 to 3 pounds)

Marinade

2 cups buttermilk
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
1 teaspoon chili powder (for southwestern style)
1 teaspoon cumin (for southwestern style)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined to form the marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Fully submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the meat thoroughly.
Preheat the Grill: Clean and oil your grill grates, then heat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, pat dry lightly to remove excess liquid. Place chicken skin side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning only once or twice to develop a golden crust and grill marks while keeping the meat juicy.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours; overnight marinating yields the best tenderness and flavor.
Pat chicken dry before grilling to help achieve crispy skin and better searing.
Oil the grill grates before heating to prevent sticking.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Let the chicken develop a crust before flipping to keep it juicy and smoky.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or drumstick
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: buttermilk chicken, grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, tender chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe