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    Home » Recipes » Marinades

    Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

    Published: Jan 4, 2023 Modified: Mar 24, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

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    My delectable Buttermilk Chicken Marinade creates the juiciest, most tender chicken recipes! Complete with a balanced seasoning blend and rich buttermilk, this is the perfect chicken marinade recipe. Ready in just a few minutes using simple ingredients.

    sliced chicken up close on a cutting board
    Jump to:
    • Buttermilk Marinade for Chicken
    • Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Ingredients
    • How to Marinate Chicken in Buttermilk
    • Chicken Buttermilk Marinade Tips
    • Marinating Chicken in Buttermilk Ahead of Time
    • Can buttermilk marinated chicken be frozen?
    • Buttermilk Chicken Marinade FAQs
    • More Marinade Recipes
    • Best Sauces for Chicken
    • 📌 Pin it for later!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Buttermilk Marinade for Chicken

    Chicken that has been brined in buttermilk is incomparably tender and juicy, and I guarantee once you try it you will want to make it this way every time!

    The seasoning mix included in the brine brings out the best flavor in the chicken while keeping it irresistibly moist. I love using this buttermilk chicken brine for roasted, grilled, or pan-fried chicken. My family always wants seconds!

    If you're looking for a new way to cook chicken or have trouble getting chicken to that perfect tenderness, try buttermilk brined chicken using this recipe. It is a game-changer!

    buttermilk marinated chicken after roasting on a white plate

    Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Ingredients

    • Buttermilk - see How to Make Buttermilk if you have none on hand
    • Olive oil
    • Garlic
    • Black pepper
    • Sea salt
    • Ground cumin
    • Maple syrup
    ingredients for buttermilk chicken marinade with labels

    How to Marinate Chicken in Buttermilk

    1. In a sealable bag large enough to fit the amount of chicken you plan on marinating, add garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, and olive oil. Seal the bag, then use your hands to crush the garlic cloves from the outside, being careful not to break the bag.
      ziploc bag with buttermilk chicken marinade next to plate of raw chicken and measuring cup of buttermilk
    2. Add buttermilk, then the chicken. Seal the bag again and move everything around from the outside to make sure all parts of the chicken are covered with the liquid. Rest the bag in a deep plate or pan to catch anything that might leak, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
      chicken marinating in buttermilk marinade in a bag

    Chicken Buttermilk Marinade Tips

    • Marinate the chicken at least overnight for the best results. Chicken can marinate in buttermilk for up to 48 hours. After that, it will become too soft.
    • If you want to serve keto chicken, leave the maple syrup out of the marinade.
    • Crushing the garlic when it is in the bag already ensures any flavor released from the garlic goes directly into the marinade, so I don't recommend crushing it before adding it.
    • Be sure to marinate chicken in the bag within a deep plate, pan, or bowl. You do not want the chicken to leak in your refrigerator!
    sliced chicken on a cutting board with a meat fork and knife

    Marinating Chicken in Buttermilk Ahead of Time

    You can prepare buttermilk marinated chicken ahead of time by either cooking the recipe through completely, then storing and serving it later, or marinating it for up to 2 nights before cooking it.

    Buttermilk marinated chicken that has been cooked is good for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Can buttermilk marinated chicken be frozen?

    Buttermilk marinated chicken can be frozen, but it is best frozen uncooked, as reheating cooked chicken that has been frozen can cause it to dry out.

    To freeze buttermilk marinade with chicken, place the uncooked chicken in the marinade in an airtight container or freezer bag, label it with the date, and store for up to 1 month.

    When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator (place a plate, bowl, or sheet under the chicken so it doesn't leak), then cook as desired.

    white plate of buttermilk roasted chicken

    Buttermilk Chicken Marinade FAQs

    What does marinating chicken in buttermilk do?

    Buttermilk is slightly acidic, which means it tenderizes chicken when used as a marinade by breaking down the muscle fibers of the meat. When marinated for at least overnight in buttermilk, chicken becomes especially tender and soft.

    How long can I soak the chicken in buttermilk?

    You can soak the chicken in buttermilk for up to 48 hours, although overnight is plenty of time. If you're in a hurry, marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes out of the refrigerator.

    More Marinade Recipes

    • Asian Marinade for Chicken
    • Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade
    • London Broil Marinade
    • Spicy Chicken Marinade
    • Also try my Ham Bone Broth!

    Best Sauces for Chicken

    • Chicken Nuggets Sauce
    • Sage Butter Sauce
    • Basil Pesto Sauce
    • Creamy Leak Sauce

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    📖 Recipe

    roasted chicken on a white platter

    Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

    Isabel Laessig
    Buttermilk Marinade for Chicken creates the most tender, juicy chicken recipes! This easy buttermilk chicken brine is a must-try.
    4.87 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Marinade
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 cups marinade - a little over
    Calories 426 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large sealable plastic bag
    • 1 deep pot, pan, or plate

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups Buttermilk
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic peeled but not crushed
    • ½ Tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
    • 1 Tablespoon sea salt or 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    • In a sealable bag large enough to fit the amount of chicken you plan on marinating, add garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, and olive oil. Seal the bag, then use your hands to crush the garlic cloves from the outside, being careful not to break the bag.
      ¼ cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, ½ Tablespoon black pepper, 1 Tablespoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
      ziploc bag with buttermilk chicken marinade next to plate of raw chicken and measuring cup of buttermilk
    • Add buttermilk, then the chicken. Seal the bag again and move everything around from the outside to make sure all parts of the chicken are covered with the liquid. Rest the bag in a deep plate or pan to catch anything that might leak, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
      2 cups Buttermilk
      chicken marinating in buttermilk marinade in a bag

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup or soCalories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 8gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 3744mgPotassium: 397mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 417IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 311mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword buttermilk chicken marinade, buttermilk marinade for chicken, buttermilk marinated chicken, chicken buttermilk marinade
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    About Isabel Laessig

    Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

    » About Me

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