This Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders recipe is a juicy and savory dish, which is made with a buttermilk marinade and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect dinner party recipe, ready in about 30 minutes after marinating.
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds chicken tenders (10 to 12), or cutlets sliced lengthwise into 1-inch strips
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 4 scallions, white parts only, halved lengthwise and smashed
- 6 slices bacon (about 8 ounces), preferably center-cut, halved lengthwise (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
- Cocktail tomatoes and mini cucumber spears, for serving
- Buttermilk-Scallion Ranch and Spicy Romesco Dipping Sauces, for serving
How To Make Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Add the buttermilk and the smashed white parts of the scallions. Massage to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 1 day.
- Prep for grilling: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill for direct-heat cooking over a medium flame. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the skewers: Drain the chicken from the buttermilk and discard the scallions and excess marinade. Wrap each chicken tender with a half-strip of bacon. Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the skewers, making sure to pierce the bacon at both the top and bottom to secure it.
- Grill the tenders: Brush the grill grates with oil. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them a few times, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken skewers with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dipping sauces.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most tender chicken? The long marination time in buttermilk is the most important step. The acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. Don’t shorten this step!
- Can I make these without a grill? Yes. You can cook the skewers on a stovetop griddle pan over medium-high heat for a similar amount of time. You can also bake them on a wire rack set on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken overnight. For the best texture, it’s recommended to grill them just before serving. The dipping sauces can also be made a day or two in advance.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with regular milk to the 1 ½ cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle slightly before using.
What To Serve With Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
These versatile tenders are perfect as a main course or an appetizer.
- The suggested Buttermilk-Scallion Ranch and Spicy Romesco dipping sauces
- Classic sides like corn on the cob or a simple potato salad
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- As a main dish with rice pilaf
How To Store Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are delicious cold or can be gently reheated.
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 2-3 tenders
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 38g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use the bacon?
The bacon is optional, but it adds a wonderful smoky flavor and helps to keep the lean chicken tenders moist as they cook. If you omit it, the chicken will still be tender and delicious from the buttermilk marinade.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes. Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts lengthwise into 1-inch thick strips to create your own tenders.
Why do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning and catching fire over the hot grill grates.
Try More Recipes:
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Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauces Recipe
Description
Incredibly juicy and tender chicken tenders are marinated in buttermilk, wrapped in bacon, and grilled to perfection for the ultimate easy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Marinate in a mixture of buttermilk and smashed scallion whites for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium. Soak wooden skewers in water.
- Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade. Wrap each tender with a half-strip of bacon.
- Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the skewers.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- The 12-hour buttermilk marinade is the secret to incredibly tender chicken and should not be skipped.
- If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- These tenders are also delicious baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- This is a perfect recipe for summer barbecues and dinner parties.
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauces Recipe