Crispy Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, juicy chicken tenders made with a simple buttermilk brine, baked to perfection and served with a tangy dill sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken tenders, buttermilk, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs chicken tenders and marinate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  3. Step 3: Arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with 2 tbsp olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and crispy at the edges. While baking, whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon juice for the aioli.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crispy Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli?

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 Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Buttermilk Baked Chicken Tenders with Dill Aioli?

American chicken 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.

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