Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quickly, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to impress. These crispy, flavorful tenders are better than takeout and can be customized with your favorite dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 18 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy these delicious chicken tenders.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust the seasonings or dips to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Perfectly Crispy: The double coating technique ensures a crunchy crust that locks in moisture.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat them for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare these homemade chicken tenders, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, essential for frying without burning.
- Medium-sized mixing bowls: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk: Ensures that the buttermilk mixture is well combined for even coating on the chicken.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the tenders while keeping them crispy.
Ingredients
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quickly, 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 Coatings
In a medium-sized bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well and set aside. In another medium-sized bowl, add the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce; whisk until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour about 3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Bring the oil up to temperature over medium-low heat. Aim for an oil temperature of around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil is heating, dredge each chicken tenderone at a time in the flour mixture. Make sure each tender is well coated before shaking off any excess flour. Then dip each tender into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Return it to the flour mixture and coat again thoroughly.
Step 4: Frying
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack while you fry the remaining pieces.
Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and dips. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – A classic creamy dressing that complements the crispy texture of chicken tenders.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy, this sauce adds a delightful flavor contrast.
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky and rich, BBQ sauce enhances the savory taste of the tenders.
- Hot Sauce – For those who love heat, a good hot sauce can spice things up.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad – Slice the tenders on top of romaine lettuce for a hearty twist on a Caesar salad.
- Garden Salad – Add the chicken tenders to mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing option.
As Part of a Wrap
- Chicken Tender Wraps – Roll up tenders with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce in a tortilla for a delicious handheld meal.
With Fries or Chips
- French Fries – Crispy fries make for an excellent side that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders.
- Potato Chips – Serve with crunchy potato chips for added texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To get the best results with your Homemade Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Buttermilk – Marinating in buttermilk before frying helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Maintain Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at around 325°F to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan – Frying in batches prevents temperature drops and ensures crispy tenders.
- Pat Dry Before Coating – Make sure the chicken is dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
- Rest After Frying – Letting the cooked tenders rest on a wire rack allows excess oil to drain off.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pairing your Homemade Chicken Tenders with the right sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coleslaw – This crunchy side adds freshness and balances out the richness of fried chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side that kids will love alongside chicken tenders.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Baked Beans – Rich and hearty, baked beans add a nice contrasting texture to your meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries – These offer a healthier twist while still being crispy and satisfying.
- Steamed Broccoli – A nutritious option that adds color and health benefits to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the dredging process: Properly coating the chicken is key for a crispy texture. Don’t rush this step; coat each tender thoroughly.
- Using cold oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tenders will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Ensure the oil reaches about 325°F before frying.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tenders at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for best results.
- Not checking internal temperature: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. A meat thermometer is helpful here.
- Skipping seasoning: Without proper seasoning in both the flour and buttermilk mixtures, your tenders may turn out bland. Don’t skip on spices!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Allow tenders to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat with a splash of oil until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Chicken Tenders made of?
Homemade Chicken Tenders are made using chicken tenderloins coated in seasoned flour and buttermilk, then fried until golden.
How do I make my Homemade Chicken Tenders crispy?
To achieve crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders, ensure you properly dredge the chicken and fry in hot oil without overcrowding.
Can I bake Homemade Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake Homemade Chicken Tenders at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
What sides pair well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Homemade Chicken Tenders go great with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize them with different seasonings or dips. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (approx. 16 tenders) 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves! These crispy, golden-brown chicken strips come together in just 18 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Coated in a delicious blend of seasoned flour and buttermilk, these tenders are tender on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard, or toss them into a salad for a tasty twist. This easy recipe is customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences and will undoubtedly become a go-to in your kitchen!
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 bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet to about 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mix, dip in the buttermilk mix, then coat again in the flour.
- Fry tenders in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Drain on wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
