If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, Homemade Chicken Tenders are the way to go! These crispy, juicy tenders are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even a quick lunch. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, you’ll find yourself making these tenders again and again. The standout quality of this recipe is its ability to provide restaurant-quality chicken tenders right in your kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mixture
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenderloins
- Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders
- How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
- As a Classic Meal
- With Dipping Sauces
- For Kids’ Meals
- How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make homemade chicken tenders crispy?
- Can I bake homemade chicken tenders instead of frying?
- What sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?
- How can I customize my homemade chicken tenders?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 18 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the crispy coating and tender chicken inside.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a salad or sandwich.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using just a few bowls and one skillet means fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
- Customizable Flavor: Add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture for a unique twist.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these amazing chicken tenders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack for cooling
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Ensures even heating for perfect frying without uneven cooking.
- Medium-sized mixing bowls: Ideal for mixing ingredients without spilling and allows easy access while dredging the chicken.
- Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor throughout the chicken.
- Wire rack for cooling: Allows excess oil to drain off, keeping your chicken tenders crispy as they cool.
Ingredients
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quick you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. The whole family will love them.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- Oil for frying
How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl add the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another medium-sized bowl add the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk together until fully combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Place about 3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottom skillet with deep sides (a Dutch oven works great too). Bring the oil up to temperature over medium-low heat until it reaches around 325°F.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenderloins
While the oil is heating, dredge the chicken tenders by placing them one at a time into the flour mixture.
Coat each tender well and shake off any excess flour.
Dip each tender into the buttermilk mixture and allow any excess to drip off.
Place it back into the flour mixture and coat well. Pat down the flour onto each tender to form a good crust.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan. You may have to do this in batches.
Cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Place fried tenders on a wire rack while you fry the rest.
Enjoy your Homemade Chicken Tenders as a main course or snack!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as part of a fun meal, there are plenty of options to elevate your dining experience.
As a Classic Meal
- With French Fries: Crispy fries are the perfect companion to chicken tenders, adding a satisfying crunch.
- On a Salad: Slice your tenders and toss them on a fresh garden salad for a hearty, healthy meal.
- In a Sandwich: Place tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious sandwich option.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and flavor.
- Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy taste complements the savory tenders perfectly.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky kick, barbecue sauce is an excellent choice.
For Kids’ Meals
- With Macaroni and Cheese: A kid-favorite, combine tenders with creamy mac for a comforting dish.
- In Tacos: Use small tortillas to create chicken tender tacos topped with cheese and salsa for fun finger food.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To achieve the best Homemade Chicken Tenders, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure that your tenders come out crispy and flavorful every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins contribute to better flavor and texture.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken in the buttermilk mixture twice before dredging in flour.
- Control Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 325°F helps cook the chicken evenly without burning the coating.
- Avoid Crowding the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking; overcrowding lowers oil temperature and results in soggy tenders.
- Let Them Rest: Allow cooked tenders to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep them crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast to hot, crispy chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide an alternative to fries, making for a hearty side.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs beautifully with savory chicken tenders.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans balances well with fried chicken flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can be dipped into sauces alongside your chicken tender feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your flour mixture well. This enhances the flavor of the chicken tenders and makes them more enjoyable.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tenders at once lowers the oil temperature. This can lead to greasy tenders instead of crispy ones. Fry in small batches for perfect results.
- Not checking oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains raw. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 325°F for ideal frying.
- Forgetting to let excess drip off: After dipping in the buttermilk, allow excess liquid to drip off before dredging in flour. This helps create a better crust.
- Using cold chicken: Cold chicken tenders can lower the oil temperature when added. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a skillet with a little oil for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders that you might find helpful.
How do I make homemade chicken tenders crispy?
To achieve crispy homemade chicken tenders, ensure you properly coat them with flour and maintain an appropriate oil temperature while frying.
Can I bake homemade chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
What sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?
Popular options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
How can I customize my homemade chicken tenders?
Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture or use different marinades mixed with buttermilk for varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or sauces. Enjoy making this delightful meal that everyone will love!
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Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food that brings joy to family dinners and game day gatherings alike. These crispy, juicy chicken strips are easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and they deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Perfect for dipping or pairing with your favorite sides, these tenders are a surefire hit for both kids and adults. Whether served with classic fries, tossed on a fresh salad, or nestled in a bun, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy this versatile dish. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat to 325°F.
- Dredge chicken tenders first in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture before returning to the flour for a second coating.
- Fry tenders in batches for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Drain on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (about 170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
