Irresistible Buttermilk Chicken Tenders McDonalds Style 2025

Craving that irresistible crunch and flavor of buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds once had on their menu? These iconic tenders were famous for their crispy golden coating and juicy interior — perfectly seasoned, tangy, and tender. While they’re no longer available in most locations, you can easily recreate that signature fast-food taste right at home. This comprehensive recipe walks you through every step — from marinating in rich buttermilk to achieving the perfect golden-brown fry.

You’ll also find expert tips, ingredient substitutes, and nutritional facts to make the process foolproof. Whether you’re looking to satisfy nostalgia or whip up the perfect game-day snack, these buttermilk tenders will capture the essence of McDonalds crispy chicken goodness.

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders McDonalds?

Making buttermilk chicken tenders McDonalds style is all about combining a creamy, tangy marinade with a perfectly seasoned coating. The chicken is first soaked in buttermilk to enhance tenderness and flavor, then dredged in a seasoned flour mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. The buttermilk creates a light, flaky crust that locks in juiciness, giving the tenders that same signature crunch McDonalds fans remember.

Key Ingredients

• 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
• (Optional) 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk for thicker coating

Instructions

Follow these instructions to make a Tasty buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken strips, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor). The buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. This is also a very important and crucial step for making buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

2. Prepare the Dry Mixture

Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed. The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy crust similar to McDonalds version.

3. Set Up the Egg Wash (Optional)

Beat the egg and milk in a separate shallow dish. This helps bind the flour coating to the chicken and makes it extra crunchy. For a thicker crust, double-dip each strip through the egg wash and flour mixture.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Let the coated pieces rest for 5–10 minutes to set the crust — this prevents it from falling off during frying. During this step make sure you do it very carefully because a small mistake can ruin your effort to make tasty buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

5. Double Dredge for Extra Crisp

For a true McDonalds buttermilk chicken tender experience, dip each coated strip back into the buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture. This creates a double layer that’s thick, crunchy, and flavorful once fried.

6. Heat the Oil

In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 175 °C (350 °F). Maintaining this temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up without burning. Use enough oil so the tenders can float freely during frying.

7. Fry to Perfection

Carefully place a few chicken strips into the hot oil — don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8. Rest and Serve

Allow the tenders to rest for a minute before serving. This step helps retain moisture and enhances flavor, giving you that hot, crunchy, juicy bite similar to McDonalds original tenders.

Tips for a Perfect Buttermilk Chicken Tenders McDonalds

• Always marinate for at least 2 hours — the longer, the juicier.
• Use cold buttermilk for the marinade to keep chicken fibers tender.
• Let coated chicken rest before frying to prevent the crust from slipping.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pan — it cools the oil and leads to soggy coating.
• For extra crunch, mix a small amount of panko breadcrumbs into the flour coating.

What to Serve With buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds

1. Classic Fries

Nothing pairs better with buttermilk chicken tenders McDonalds than a generous portion of golden, crispy fries. Choose thin-cut shoestring fries for a fast-food experience or thick-cut steak fries for a heartier bite. Lightly season them with salt or add a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. The crisp texture of fries complements the juicy tenderness of the chicken perfectly, creating that nostalgic McDonalds-style combo everyone loves. As we all know fries are necessary with every fast food especially with buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

2. Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy tenders. The tangy dressing and crisp vegetables cut through the oiliness, balancing the flavors beautifully. For extra zing, add shredded carrots, green onions, and a dash of apple cider vinegar to your slaw. The cool texture complements the hot chicken, enhancing the overall meal experience.

3. Dipping Sauces

Sauces can completely transform your chicken tenders. Offer a variety of McDonalds-inspired dips — honey mustard for sweetness, barbecue for smokiness, ranch for creaminess, and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. You can also make your own special sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of garlic powder. Having multiple dipping options keeps every bite exciting and flavorful. Without sauces buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds will taste just fine.

4. Burger Buns

Want a fun twist? Turn your tenders into a crispy chicken sandwich. Layer the freshly fried tenders inside soft burger buns with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a creamy sauce like mayo or ranch. Toast the buns slightly for added crunch. This makes an excellent handheld meal, reminiscent of McDonalds buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich. This perfectly made buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds will add Extra points in case you are serving it to someone you care

5. Mashed Potatoes or Potato Wedges

If you prefer something comforting, creamy mashed potatoes or seasoned potato wedges make the perfect accompaniment. The buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes balances the crispy texture of the tenders, while wedges offer a satisfying crunch. Add gravy or garlic butter to elevate the flavor even more. This Combination of mashed potatos with buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds will blow your taste buds.

6. Pickles and Veggie Sticks

Crunchy dill pickles, celery, and carrot sticks bring freshness to the plate and cleanse the palate between bites. Their tanginess helps cut through the fried coating, making each bite taste lighter. You can also serve them as an appetizer or garnish to enhance presentation and add variety to your meal. You can just imagine untill you try this with buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. No Buttermilk?

Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Simply combine one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This homemade version mimics the acidity of real buttermilk, providing that same tangy flavor and tenderizing effect for your chicken.

2. Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or rice flour. Rice flour produces an exceptionally light and crispy coating, while a gluten-free all-purpose mix provides similar texture to the original McDonalds tenders. You can also add a pinch of xanthan gum to improve the binding if needed. You can ask yourself whether other recipes offer you that rather then buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds recipe.

3. Healthier Cooking Method

If you’re avoiding deep-frying, try air-frying your chicken tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F), lightly spray the tenders with oil, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll achieve a similar crisp exterior with far less fat. Baking in the oven at 220 °C (425 °F) for 20–25 minutes also works as a healthy alternative.

4. Alternative Proteins

Not a fan of chicken breast? You can easily substitute turkey strips, chicken thighs, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Boneless thighs offer richer flavor and extra juiciness, while tofu soaks up the buttermilk marinade beautifully for a plant-based twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking. This is only for buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

5. Extra Crunch

If you love that loud, crispy bite, enhance your coating by adding crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture. These ingredients create a flakier, crunchier texture that stays crisp longer — even after cooling. It’s an easy trick to make your tenders taste even more indulgent. Buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds will make you feel good with its crunchy sound.

6. Spice Variation

Personalize your seasoning blend to match your taste. Add chili powder for heat, oregano for herbal notes, or cumin for a warm, earthy undertone. You can also experiment with Cajun seasoning or curry powder for an international twist. This flexibility lets you recreate different McDonalds regional flavor profiles right in your kitchen.

Nutritional Facts

*Values are approximate and may vary based on frying method and ingredient brands used. You must use concentrated amount of ingredients if you wanna make a perfect buttermilk chicken tenders mcdonalds.

Final Thoughts

Recreating buttermilk chicken tenders McDonalds at home lets you enjoy one of the fast-food chain’s most beloved menu items anytime you want. This recipe captures the perfect blend of tangy, crispy, and juicy flavors that made the original so famous. With simple ingredients, careful preparation, and the right technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend snack, party platter, or family dinner, these tenders promise satisfaction in every bite. Pair them with your favorite sauces, fries, and sides, and you’ll have a meal that rivals any takeout order — hot, fresh, and irresistibly crunchy.

Remember to Check Other Tasty Meat Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)