Buttermilk Chicken Dinner (Microwave)
A comforting microwave chicken dinner with flavorful herbs, tender vegetables, and rich buttermilk gravy, perfect for quick weeknight meals or busy families seeking hearty flavor.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 (3 to 3 1/2 lb.) broiler-fryer chicken ⓘ
- 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole, combine water, chicken bouillon, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the casserole.
- Cook, covered, on 100% power (High) for 10 minutes in the microwave.
- Turn the chicken over.
- Arrange the potatoes, onions, and carrots around the chicken.
- Cook, covered, on 50% power (Medium) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the drumsticks move easily in their sockets and vegetables are tender.
- Turn the dish once during cooking.
- Skim fat from the pan juices and remove the bay leaves.
- Pour 1 cup of pan juices into a 4-cup glass dish.
- Combine buttermilk and flour and stir into the pan juices.
- Cook on 100% power (High) for 3 to 4 minutes, uncovered, until the gravy thickens.
- Sprinkle the chicken with paprika.
- Spoon some gravy over the chicken and vegetables and serve.
- Save the remaining gravy to pass at the table.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight before cooking. You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, using one-third the amount. If you prefer, swap the red potatoes for sweet potatoes or use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the buttermilk chicken dinner with a side of fluffy White Rice to soak up the delicious gravy. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or some homemade Sesame Stuffing to complement the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out. You can also reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Chicken Dinner (Microwave) contains roughly 692 calories, with 18g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (198% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 45g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. Adjust cooking times as needed, as frozen chicken may take longer to reach the desired doneness.
How can I make the gravy smoother?
To achieve a smoother gravy, whisk the buttermilk and flour mixture thoroughly before adding it to the pan juices. You can also strain the gravy after cooking to remove any lumps. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter while heating the gravy.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will provide a similar tangy flavor and acidity to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).