Spicy Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Molasses Dipping Gravy

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken tenders
3 cups buttermilk
2 cups olive, canola or peanut oil, as needed to shallow fry
2 cups plus 3 tablespoons flour, divided
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons grill seasoning
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or dried ground thyme
3 tablespoons butter

2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup molasses
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or dried ground thyme

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Place the chicken tenders in the buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 250ºF.

Place a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat with the oil (it should come about an inch up the side of the pan).

While the oil heats up, combine 2 cups flour and spices in a large dish. Working in batches, coat the chicken tenders in the spiced flour mixture, pressing on them lightly to make the flour stick (for a really good breading, double dip the tenders by running them through the buttermilk and flour a second time).

Once the oil has heated up, fry the chicken in batches until deep golden brown and cooked through, 5-6 minutes. (As you finish each batch, transfer them to a sheet pan and keep them warm in the low oven).

When the chicken tenders are almost ready, place a medium saucepot over medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle remaining 3 tablespoons flour over the butter and cook for about a minute. Whisk the chicken stock, Worcestershire and molasses into the butter-flour mixture and simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and reserve warm.

Serve the chicken tenders with the molasses dipping gravy and some Sweet Potato Oven Fries alongside.