Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quickly, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. They’re perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even as a quick lunch. The crispy texture and flavorful coating will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they are easy to customize with your favorite dipping sauces!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 18 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty tenders, ensuring a happy table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with a salad, fries, or your favorite dipping sauce for endless meal possibilities.
- Flavorful Coating: The combination of spices and buttermilk creates a deliciously crispy crust that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual meal at home or entertaining guests, these tenders fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your homemade chicken tenders, gather the necessary tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: These provide even heat distribution, which is crucial for frying chicken evenly without burning.
- Wire rack: This allows excess oil to drain off the tenders, keeping them crispy instead of soggy.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather the following 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 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, combine the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Pour about 3 inches of oil into your heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven.
- Heat the oil over medium-low heat until it reaches around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
- While the oil heats up, dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture one at a time.
- Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the buttermilk mixture; allow any excess liquid to drip off.
- Return the tender back to the flour mixture for a second coating. Pat down gently to ensure an even crust forms.
Step 4: Fry the Tenders
- Once your oil is ready, carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding them.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on a wire rack while frying remaining tenders.
With these steps complete, you’ll enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tenders in no time!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy them to the fullest.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken tenders.
- Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and savory, this classic sauce adds a bold flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch enhances the taste and provides a cool contrast.
As a Salad Topper
- Caesar Salad: Slice the tenders and serve them over crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
- Garden Salad: Add crunchy veggies and toss with your favorite vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
In a Sandwich
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce for a hearty lunch.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the tenders, adding avocado and salsa for a delicious twist.
On a Platter
- Party Platter: Arrange your homemade chicken tenders on a platter with assorted dips for entertaining guests.
- Kids’ Snack Platter: Serve with small portions of fruits and veggies for a fun snack time.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Creating perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken tenderloins will enhance flavor and texture.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the oil is at 325°F before frying; this helps achieve that perfect crispy coating.
- Double Dredging Technique: For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken in the flour mixture twice before frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
- Use a Wire Rack: Let cooked tenders rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
To complement your Homemade Chicken Tenders, consider these delicious side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.
- French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are a classic pairing that everyone loves.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tenders.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy side dish that creates comfort food harmony with chicken tenders.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings seasonal flavor; grill or boil it for an easy side.
- Baked Beans: Hearty beans provide protein and sweetness, making them an excellent match.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned steamed veggies add color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders is a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: Not using buttermilk can result in less juicy tenders. It adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature, making them greasy. Fry in batches for best results.
- Inconsistent Coating: Failing to coat the tenders evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the flour mixture.
- Ignoring Temperature: Cooking at incorrect temperatures may lead to undercooked or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 325°F for frying.
- Not Letting Them Rest: Skipping the resting time after frying means losing crispiness. Place fried tenders on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
- Once solid, transfer them to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F, place tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for about 5 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenderloins. Just ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. The recipe will still yield delicious results!
What should I serve with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of sides such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also add dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For healthier options, you can bake them at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices or serving with various dips. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade comfort food that your family will love!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious solution for busy families or anyone craving comfort food. With a crispy, flavorful coating and juicy chicken inside, these tenders are sure to be a hit at any meal. Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or a satisfying lunch, they can be easily customized with your favorite dipping sauces. In just 18 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that guarantees seconds and smiles all around.
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 one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottom skillet to about 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, and return to the flour for a second coating.
- Fry tenders in hot oil for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Drain on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (135g)
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 543mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
