The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade – Easy, Juicy, and Perfect for Grilling

What is Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade?

This recipe is sponsored by AE Dairy. Their buttermilk adds a rich, creamy texture that helps create tender, flavorful grilled chicken every time.

Honey buttermilk chicken marinade is a simple but delicious way to create a juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for grilling, sauteing, or putting in the crock pot for an easy dinner any day of the week.

The tangy AE Dairy Buttermilk, natural sweetness from the honey, a little bit of spice from the red pepper flakes, and the added pop of flavor from the caramelized onions making this a chicken marinade you are going to put on repeat all summer long!

AE Dairy’s Buttermilk will work to help tenderize the chicken as it sits in it. This happens because the acids from the buttermilk break down some of the muscle fibers in the chicken, creating the perfect tender and juicy texture. Using high-quality buttermilk like AE Dairy adds a rich, creamy base that helps the marinade cling to the chicken and develop incredible flavor as it cooks. This added with the flavors above are going to have you craving this simple chicken marinade.

Why You’ll Love The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

There are several reasons to love The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade. I can think of 5 right off the bat here.

1. It is perfect for grilling. With grilling season right around the corner, you are going to need some chicken marinade recipes that are easy to assemble. This recipe will keep your chicken juicy even over the high heat from the grill.
2. The tang from the buttermilk, the sweetness from the honey, the touch of spice from the red pepper flakes, and the depth of the caramelized onions will make this a family-favorite chicken marinade. My son said, “This chicken is so good, Mom!” and asked when we could make it again – he even ate it on a salad!
3. There are no complicated ingredients in this recipe, meaning you can whip it up any time! Just peek through the pantry and slice up an onion, and you are good to go!
4. Not only is this chicken marinade going to be great for grilling season and the backyard BBQs that are summer staples, but it also makes the perfect chicken for meal prep. It stays juicy even while it is in the fridge and doesn’t taste like leftovers, a fear of new meal peppers :).
5. The caramelized onions add a depth to this chicken marinade that you can’t get from any other marinade. It is unique and so delicious, seriously, your friends are going to be asking you for the recipe.

Budget-Friendly Tip for The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

Chicken thighs are usually more affordable than chicken breasts. They also stay really juicy when you are grilling!

Quick Caramelized Onion Hack

Slice your onion for the chicken marinade and then cook it in a pan with a little oil and a pinch of salt for 10-12 minutes. If you really want to pop the flavor, add a pat of butter about halfway through.

Use a little lower heat, like medium low, otherwise the onions will just char up and not get the yummy deep flavor.

You don’t have to have perfectly caramelized onions for this recipe to develop the flavor. Just cook them long enough that they are softened and starting to turn brown. It will add an incredible, unique flavor to the chicken marinade!

How to Make The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

The first thing you should do is prep the onions and get them in the pan. This way, you can do other things while they cook.

While those are cooking, you can whisk together the AE Dairy’s Buttermilk, olive oil, honey, and all the seasonings together. When the onions are cooled, add those in as well.

Next, marinade the chicken by putting it in the mixture and coating both sides. Then let it sit in there, cover, and refrigerate.

Chicken marinades work best if you let them sit for a few hours. I would say 4 to overnight is best for this one, but I have done it in 2, and it was still yummy, and you can also let it sit overnight for maximum flavor.

How to Grill Using The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

Grilling this chicken brings out the natural sweetness in the honey and will give the charred, smoky flavor that is going to really complement the other flavors in this chicken marinade.

The way I grill chicken:

1. Preheat the grill, make sure it is nice and warm, or the chicken will stick to the grates.
2. You can spread a little oil over the grates to prevent sticking for sure.
3. Get the chicken out of the marinade and let the extra drip off (this will also help prevent sticking).
4. Grill 5-7 minutes per side, making sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It needs to get to 165 F.
   • Cook time will vary depending on how hot your grill is and how thick your chicken is.

Other Cooking Options

Air fryer – 375 F for 14 – 18 minutes or until internal temp is 165.

Stove top – Pan sear until golden brown on the outside and the internal temp is 165 F.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips for The BEST Honey Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

After cooking the chicken, make sure to store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days.

You can reheat these in the microwave, grill, skillet, or even in the oven.

This is a versatile and delicious recipe, so it will be perfect for meal prep. You can turn it into wraps, put it on salads, make it into a sandwich, or make it into a bowl!

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