Spicy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Molasses Dipping Gravy

Get ready to elevate your chicken game with these crispy, golden-brown Spicy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Molasses Dipping Gravy! Marinated in tangy buttermilk and infused with the bold heat of hot sauce, paprika, and cayenne, these tenders are perfectly seasoned with a tender interior and a crunchy, golden crust thanks to a coating of flour and cornstarch. But what truly sets this recipe apart is the rich, velvety molasses dipping gravy—a delightful balance of sweet and savory, made with chicken broth, a hint of ground mustard, and a swirl of cream. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or indulgent dinner, these spicy fried chicken tenders with their unique gravy are sure to impress at any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Chicken tenders
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1.5 cups Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Molasses
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground mustard

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken. Mix to fully coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 2

In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off, and thoroughly coat in the flour mixture. Place onto a wire rack and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Place fried chicken on a clean wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 4

To make the molasses dipping gravy, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.

Step 5

Stir in molasses, heavy cream, and ground mustard. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6

Serve the chicken tenders hot with the molasses dipping gravy on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3446.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	12778.5

Total Fat 1110.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 197.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.6g
Cholesterol 775.7mg	0%
Sodium 14039.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 490.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 61.9g
Protein 290.2g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 923.2mg	0%
Iron 27.7mg	0%
Potassium 5030.7mg	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: 76.2%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 14.9%