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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- While chicken bakes, whip together a zesty sauce by blending mayo, buffalo sauce, ketchup, and garlic powder until smooth and well-incorporated.
- 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