Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust
Juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a crispy herb crust, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on fried chicken. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken tenders, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 275 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken tenders in a bowl and pour 1 cup buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to marinate.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere evenly.
- Step 4: Arrange coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Brush lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil for crispness.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal in juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crispy Baked Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Herb Dust?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
