This ultra flavorful buttermilk chicken is one of those recipes that instantly earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The chicken is deeply seasoned, incredibly juicy, and baked until the skin is golden and crisp. Just before serving, it’s finished with a drizzle of warm garlic butter and a touch of hot honey, creating the perfect balance of savory, rich, and slightly sweet heat.

This is the kind of meal that feels comforting and special at the same time. It is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when you have guests. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the garlic butter and hot honey take it completely over the top in the best way.

If you have ever struggled with baked chicken that turns out bland or dry, this recipe will change that for you.

Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Chicken

This recipe is all about building flavor in layers while keeping the process approachable.

The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with seasoning all the way through. Baking the chicken allows the skin to crisp while the meat stays juicy. Finishing with garlic butter and hot honey adds richness and just enough sweetness to make the flavors pop.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• The buttermilk marinade guarantees juicy chicken
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken delivers the best flavor
• Bold seasoning without overpowering heat
• Oven baked, not fried
• Garlic butter and hot honey elevate the final dish

This is comfort food done right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks

You can use any mix of chicken you prefer.

For the Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or pickle juice
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

For the Garlic Butter Finish

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• Hot honey, for drizzling

How to Make Ultra Flavorful Buttermilk Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon or pickle juice, minced garlic, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, brown sugar or honey, smoked paprika, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon if using.

The marinade should smell bold and well seasoned. This is where the flavor starts.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the bowl and turn to coat completely. Use your hands to gently work the marinade under the skin where possible.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top if you have one.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange the chicken skin side up, leaving space between each piece.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For extra crispy skin, broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter

While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Season lightly with salt and remove from heat.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the warm garlic butter over the chicken. Finish with a light drizzle of hot honey just before serving.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken gives the juiciest results
• Overnight marinating makes a big difference
• Let excess marinade drip off before baking
• Use a wire rack if possible for crispier skin
• Add the garlic butter while the chicken is hot so it melts into the skin

What to Serve with Buttermilk Chicken

This chicken pairs beautifully with both cozy and fresh sides. Some great options include:

• Honey butter carrots
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• A fresh chopped salad
• Cheesy Garlic Bread

It works well for both casual dinners and holiday-style meals.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through. This keeps the skin from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

You can, but bone-in chicken gives better flavor and texture. Boneless chicken cooks faster and may be less juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has flavor but not a lot of heat. You can adjust the hot sauce and hot honey to your preference.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken can marinate up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I skip the hot honey?

Absolutely. The garlic butter alone is delicious, but the hot honey adds a nice contrast if you enjoy a sweet and savory combination.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Herb Buttermilk Chicken
  Add lemon zest + thyme + rosemary
• Spicy Cajun Buttermilk Chicken
  Add Cajun seasoning + cayenne
• Honey Mustard Buttermilk Chicken
  Add Dijon + a spoon of honey to the marinade
• Garlic Parmesan Buttermilk Chicken
  Add extra garlic + sprinkle Parmesan before serving

One great method, endless variations.

Helpful Tools

Add your tools here in a product box:

• My favorite rimmed baking sheet
• Meat thermometer
• Silicone basting brush
• Glass mixing bowls
• Kitchen tongs

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Reduce the roasting time by about 10 minutes.

Is buttermilk necessary?
Yes, it tenderizes the chicken and gives the best flavor.

Can I air fry this?
Absolutely. 380°F for about 20–22 minutes, flipping once.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Whisk Greek yogurt with a little water until pourable.

Can I leave out the hot sauce?
You can, but it adds flavor without heat. Highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

This ultra flavorful buttermilk chicken with garlic butter and hot honey is everything a good chicken recipe should be. Juicy, bold, comforting, and satisfying without being complicated.

It is the kind of recipe that makes people ask for seconds and then ask for the recipe.

If you make this dish, I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, save it for later, or share it with someone who loves a good home-cooked meal.

Thank you for being here and cooking alongside me. 🙏💛