Southern Fried Chicken Fingers with Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise

Crisp, golden, and absolutely irresistible, Southern Fried Chicken Fingers with Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise is the ultimate comfort dish with a gourmet twist. These tender chicken strips are marinated in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend, then coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture for that signature Southern crunch. Fried to perfection, each bite delivers a crave-worthy combination of juicy chicken and crispy coating. The bold, creamy green peppercorn mayonnaise, made with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and crushed peppercorns, adds a zesty, peppery kick that elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these chicken fingers are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Pair them with your favorite sides or serve as a stand-alone snack for a finger-licking meal everyone will love. Keywords: Southern fried chicken fingers, green peppercorn mayonnaise, crispy chicken tenders, buttermilk fried chicken recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon green peppercorns (in brine, drained and crushed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the breading to adhere.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil.

Step 5

Fry the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6

While the chicken fingers are frying, prepare the green peppercorn mayonnaise. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, crushed green peppercorns, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt or lemon juice as needed.

Step 7

Serve the Southern Fried Chicken Fingers hot with the Green Peppercorn Mayonnaise on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1983.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10291.6

Total Fat 1013.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 148.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.1g
Cholesterol 371.3mg	0%
Sodium 6908.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	0%
Total Sugars 15.3g
Protein 119.3g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 410.2mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 1821.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 85.7%

Protein: 4.5%

Carbs: 9.8%