Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re looking to bring golden sunshine to your dinner table, Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders are a revelation: vibrant in color, irresistibly crunchy outside, juicy inside, and bursting with zesty, smoky flavor. This oven-baked twist on a comfort-food favorite delivers spice, crunch, and the subtle earthiness of turmeric, all crowned with a tangy, creamy Buffalo mayo dipping sauce. Whether you need speedy weeknight magic or a crowd-pleasing party platter, this dish is bright, wholesome, and always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but essential ingredients that make Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders so special. Each element builds layered flavor and texture—from the golden crust to the zippy sauce and tender chicken—so don’t skip the details!

• Boneless chicken tenders: Lean and quick-cooking, these are the ideal blank canvas for bold seasoning and a crisp coating.
• Brown rice flour: This gluten-free flour crisps up beautifully in the oven, making for a light, crunchy bite without any stodginess.
• Garlic powder: Adds delicious mellow depth that melds with the spices for plenty of savory flavor.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning, helping the crust pack real punch.
• Flaked sea salt and black pepper: Use generously to make all the other tastes pop!
• Buttermilk: The tangy richness tenderizes the chicken and ensures the batter clings for a perfect crust.
• Finely shredded unsweetened coconut: Adds unexpected texture and a faint hint of natural sweetness that highlights the turmeric.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and deep, smoky aroma you’ll love.
• Ground turmeric: The star! It delivers vivid color and a signature earthy flavor—use more or less to suit your taste.
• Lime zest: A burst of citrus fragrance that keeps everything fresh and lively.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing and drizzling, it encourages extra crunchiness and gorgeous color during baking.
• Mayo: The base for a creamy, tangy sauce that soothes and cools every spicy bite.
• Buffalo sauce: Adds that signature fiery kick—adjust the amount to match your spice preference.
• Ketchup: Just a touch for sweetness and balance in the sauce.
• Additional garlic powder (for sauce): Laces the dip with savory background notes.

How to Make Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by cranking your oven to a toasty 450° F, ensuring it’s hot enough to deliver a golden, crispy crust. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment (easy cleanup!), or grease it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and amp up the crispy factor.

Step 2: Season and Flour the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 2 tablespoons brown rice flour, garlic and onion powders, a generous pinch of flaked sea salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good mix, making sure every piece is evenly coated—a key first layer for maximum flavor and crunch in your Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders.

Step 3: Make the Magic Batter

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup brown rice flour, shredded coconut, smoked paprika, turmeric (start with 1/2 teaspoon, add more for a bigger impact), and all the lime zest. Stir these vibrant dry ingredients together, then pour in 3/4 cup buttermilk. Mix until you’re left with a thick, spoonable batter—add a splash more buttermilk if needed. This sticky mixture is your ticket to that craveable crispy crust.

Step 4: Batter the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the batter, tossing every piece so it’s thoroughly coated. Spread each tender on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to promote even browning (no crowding, please!). If there’s leftover batter in the bowl, save it for later—it’s not wasted!

Step 5: Bake and Double-Crunch

Drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil for a golden, crunchy finish, then slide the tray into your hot oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the sheet and spoon any reserved batter over the chicken for extra crispiness. Drizzle a touch more oil and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes, until gorgeously crisp and deep golden all over. Sprinkle with a little extra sea salt for good measure.

Step 6: Whip Up the Saucy Dip

While the Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders finish crisping in the oven, stir together mayo, Buffalo sauce, ketchup, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. This dip is creamy, cool, and spicy—the ultimate partner for your golden chicken.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Arrange your hot, crispy tenders on a serving plate alongside the Buffalo mayo. If the irresistible aroma doesn’t gather everyone in the kitchen, I don’t know what will!

How to Serve Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Finish your Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders with a flourish! A scatter of fresh cilantro, extra lime zest, or thinly sliced green onions adds color and freshness. A spritz of lime right before serving brightens everything and highlights those subtle citrus notes in the crust.

Side Dishes

These flavor-packed tenders love a simple side: try a cooling cucumber salad, bright roasted veggies, or fluffy rice with herbs. Homemade sweet potato fries, tangy slaw, or even warm pita breads round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders into party stunners by threading them onto skewers, tucking them into wrap sandwiches with lettuce and sauce, or slicing them atop vibrant salads. You can even build DIY “chicken tender tacos” for a fun, hands-on dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Craisy Turmeric Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dipping sauce separate in the fridge so the crust stays crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked tenders for future fast meals! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully.

Reheating

To keep the crust crisp, reheat tenders in a hot oven (400° F) for about 10 minutes, or until piping hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Serve with fresh sauce for the best experience!

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of brown rice flour?

Absolutely! While brown rice flour gives a light, gluten-free crunch, all-purpose flour works if that’s what you have on hand. The crispiness will still shine through in your Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders.

Is the coconut flavor strong in the coating?

The finely shredded coconut adds delicate texture and a faint hint of sweetness, without making the dish taste overtly coconutty. Even if you’re not a coconut fan, you’ll likely just notice a richer, crispier bite.

How spicy are these chicken tenders?

The base tenders get warmth from smoked paprika and a gentle kick from turmeric, but the real heat comes from the Buffalo mayo. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce or skip it if you prefer things mild.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Definitely! Arrange battered tenders in a single layer, spray lightly with olive oil, and air fry at 400° F for 10–15 minutes, turning once. You’ll get super crispy results with a little less oil.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This tangy stand-in will work perfectly in your batter for Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re feeling inspired to bring some golden, crunchy joy to your table with these Crispy Turmeric Chicken Tenders! Each bite is a celebration of bold flavor, irresistible texture, and cheerful color. Give them a try soon and watch them disappear—they’re pure comfort with a healthy, vibrant twist!

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