Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders: A Golden Magic Recipe

Crispy turmeric chicken tenders sparkle with golden-hued promise, beckoning taste buds to a flavor adventure.

My kitchen experiments reveal unexpected magic when simple ingredients dance together.

Vibrant spices whisper stories of distant markets and culinary passion.

Tender chicken pieces coated in warm, earthy turmeric create a sensational crunch that defies ordinary meal expectations.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between robust seasoning and succulent meat texture.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary, and these tenders deliver excitement without complicated techniques.

We’ll transform humble chicken into a meal that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders: Boldly Golden Bites

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Whips up delicious crispy chicken tenders in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthier Comfort Food: Uses brown rice flour and buttermilk for a gluten-friendly coating, packed with turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits and lower in calories compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines unexpected ingredients like shredded coconut, smoked paprika, and lime zest, creating a unique taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a gourmet experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy texture and customizable spicy sauce, making it ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual entertaining.

Coating and Filling for Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that forms the base of the crispy dish, best when fresh and at room temperature.

• Brown Rice Flour, Coconut: Gluten-free coating providing crispiness and unique texture, excellent for creating crunchy exterior.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Sea Salt: Spices that add depth of flavor and aromatic profile, choose fresh and high-quality for best results.

• Buttermilk, Olive Oil: Helps tenderize chicken and create golden brown crust, whole buttermilk provides richer flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Buffalo Sauce, Ketchup: Creates a tangy and spicy dipping sauce with complex flavor layers.

• Lime Zest: Adds bright citrus note and freshness to the overall dish, use fresh zest for most vibrant flavor.

Steps for Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a scorching 450°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spice and Dust the Chicken

• Brown rice flour
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss until every piece is evenly dressed in the seasoning.

Step 3: Create the Magical Coating

• Brown rice flour
• Shredded coconut
• Smoked paprika
• Turmeric
• Lime zest

Pour in buttermilk and stir until you’ve got a thick, clingy batter.

If it seems too dense, splash in a bit more buttermilk to loosen things up.

Step 4: Dunk and Bake

Dive each chicken tender into the batter, making sure it’s completely covered.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with a little breathing room between each piece.

Drizzle a whisper of olive oil over the tenders.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Pull out the sheet, spoon any remaining batter on top of the chicken, and hit them with another light olive oil drizzle.

Return to the oven for 15 more minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sauce

• Mayo
• Buffalo sauce
• Ketchup
• Garlic powder

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Sprinkle a final touch of sea salt over the chicken.

Plate these beauties alongside the spicy sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Chicken Tender Crisping Hacks

• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to ensure a super crispy exterior that doesn't get soggy.
• Use 100% brown rice flour and verified gluten-free coconut to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Adjust buttermilk gradually to achieve a thick, clingy batter that coats chicken evenly without being too runny or too dense.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and prevent the meat from becoming tough or dry.
• Toast shredded coconut briefly before mixing into the batter to enhance its nutty flavor and add extra depth to the chicken's coating.

Crispy Chicken Tenders That Reheat Like New

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve quality and taste.
• Restore crispiness by warming tenders on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Quickly revive crispy texture by air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating.

Great Sips For Turmeric Chicken

• Pair with Tropical Mango Smoothie: Blend fresh mango, coconut milk, and a hint of lime to complement the turmeric's warmth and the chicken's crispy texture.
• Match with Cucumber Mint Salad: Create a cool, refreshing side that balances the spicy buffalo sauce and cuts through the chicken's richness with crisp cucumber and bright mint leaves.
• Serve with Coconut Lime Rice: Cook white rice with coconut milk, add lime zest, and garnish with fresh cilantro to echo the recipe's tropical and zesty flavor profile.
• Pour Crisp Wheat Beer: Select a light wheat beer with citrus notes that will enhance the turmeric's earthiness and provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.

Chicken Tender Turmeric Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace brown rice flour with almond flour or cornstarch for a completely gluten-free version. Use dairy-free buttermilk alternative like coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap brown rice flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk and reduce carbohydrate content. Replace coconut with finely ground pork rinds for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk with a splash of lemon juice. Use vegan mayo for the sauce or create a tahini-based dipping sauce for a creamy alternative.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat. Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley into the batter for additional flavor complexity. Mix dried chili flakes into the sauce for a more intense spicy kick.

FAQs

• Why use brown rice flour instead of regular flour?

Brown rice flour is gluten-free, provides a crispy texture, and adds a subtle nutty flavor to the chicken tenders while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to create a similar tangy consistency and help the batter stick to the chicken.

• How do I ensure the chicken tenders are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, which guarantees it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

• What makes the batter so crispy?

The combination of brown rice flour, shredded coconut, and the double-baking method with olive oil drizzle creates a crunchy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides amazing texture.

Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy turmeric chicken tenders bring golden-hued magic to dinner tables with their irresistible crunch and aromatic spice blend. Zesty marinade and perfectly seasoned coating promise a mouthwatering experience that will delight you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless chicken tenders

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons + 3/4 cup (180 grams) brown rice flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup (23–46 grams) finely shredded unsweetened coconut

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3/4 to 1 cup (177–237 milliliters) buttermilk
• Flaked sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing/drizzling

Spicy Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a high temperature of 450°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly coating with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavor base by thoroughly coating chicken tenders with brown rice flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
3. Craft a textured batter by combining brown rice flour, shredded coconut, smoked paprika, turmeric, and lime zest in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate buttermilk, stirring until the mixture reaches a thick, clingy consistency that will adhere well to the chicken.
4. Transform each chicken tender by dipping it completely into the spiced batter, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing to ensure crispy edges. Delicately drizzle with olive oil and slide into the oven.
5. After initial 10-minute baking, remove the tray and generously spoon any remaining batter over the chicken pieces. Repeat the olive oil drizzle and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the exterior achieves a golden, crisp texture.
6. While chicken bakes, whip together a zesty sauce by blending mayo, buffalo sauce, ketchup, and garlic powder until smooth and well-incorporated.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly baked chicken with a touch of sea salt and serve immediately alongside the prepared spicy sauce, ready to delight taste buds.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate lactose intolerance.
• Choose gluten-free brown rice flour to ensure the recipe works perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing turmeric and smoked paprika according to personal heat tolerance and flavor preferences.
• Maximize crispiness by patting chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning and ensure even spacing on the baking sheet for optimal air circulation during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg