Spicy Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
Turn up the heat with these crave-worthy Spicy Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce! Juicy chicken tenders are marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a crunchy, flavor-packed breading seasoned with paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne for a perfect spicy kick. Fried to golden perfection, these tenders are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with a creamy, homemade blue cheese dipping sauce made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and crumbled blue cheese, this recipe provides the ultimate balance of bold heat and cooling richness. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun weeknight treat, these spicy chicken tenders will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tbsp Hot sauce
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- 0.25 cup Blue cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto all sides of the chicken for an even crust.
5. Gently place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. To prepare the blue cheese dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Serve the spicy chicken tenders warm with the blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 281.5 g | 361% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.9 g | 230% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 1494 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.2 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 25.4 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 178 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 424 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
