Buttermilk Chicken Marinade
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Unlock the secret to irresistibly juicy, flavor-packed chicken with this incredible buttermilk chicken marinade! The magic happens overnight, infusing every bite with amazing flavor while ensuring that crispy, golden skin we all crave.

It all starts with leftover buttermilk. You know the drill: you buy a small bottle for one recipe and end up with extra. So, we created this buttermilk chicken marinade to make sure nothing goes to waste! With 2 cups of buttermilk, youโll have just the right amount for six servings of succulent grilled chicken.
What makes this marinade special? The natural acidity of buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a deliciously tangy flavor that elevates each bite.
If youโre looking to impress at your next BBQ or simply want a satisfying weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You wonโt regret it!
Ingredients
For the ingredient measurements and the entire recipe, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the blog post where the recipe card is located.
- Buttermilk: Unleash the juicy magic of our secret weapon: lactic acid! This incredible ingredient tenderizes the meat to perfection, ensuring every bite is mouthwateringly succulent and packed with a delightful hint of tang.
- Garlic: Minced or pressed to add a lovely garlicky aroma to the chicken.
- Mustard: Use prepared yellow mustard. It offers a depth of flavor.
- Sriracha: We keep this hot sauce on hand, but if you don’t have it, you can use a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce instead.
- Salt
- Paprika: We love to use smoked paprika, but regular paprika is fine as well.
Step by Step Directions
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the bottom of the blog post to the recipe card.
- Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl or a large liquid measuring cup.
- Pour over chicken in a zip top bag and gently shake to coat the chicken.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
- Grill the chicken until cooked through.



Tips For Success
- Don’t marinate the chicken longer than 24 hours. This will result in tough chicken.
- This recipe strikes the ideal balance between a tangy buttermilk marinade and the natural moisture from the chicken skin, making overcooking almost impossible. Every bite is bursting with flavor, ensuring your meals are always a hit.

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- Easy Al Pastor Marinade
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Buttermilk Chicken Marinade

Ingredients
- 2 cups whole buttermilk
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour over desired chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. (This marinade is enough for 6 drumsticks and 6 thighs.)
- Grill chicken until cooked through.
Notes
- Sriracha: If you don’t have this on hand, you can use a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is for convenience and as a courtesy only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate because nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and brands you used in the recipe.
