Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk; 2 cups cold water; 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 3 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon pepper, freshly cracked; 1 sweet onion, small, thinly sliced; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, halved; 1 (3 1/2-4 lb) whole chickens, cup up

Servings: persons

1
1. Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved; stir in onion and next 2 ingredients.
2
2. Place buttermilk mixture and chicken in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag, seal and chill 24 hours. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade; pat chicken dry with paper towels.
3
3. Light 1 side of grill, heating to 300 degrees to 350 degrees (medium) heat. Place chicken, skin side up, over unlit side, and grill, covered with grill lid, 40 to 50 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 165 degrees.
4
4. Transfer chicken, skin side down, to lit side of grill, and grill 2 to 3 minutes or until skin is crispy. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

1037

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups buttermilk, 2 cups cold water, 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed, 1/4 cup hot sauce, and more.

Yes, Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions