Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a quick and delightful meal that the whole family will love, you have to try Homemade Chicken Tenders. These tender, juicy pieces of chicken are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun game day snack. With a crispy coating and a flavorful kick, they stand out in both taste and texture. Plus, this recipe is easy enough for even novice cooks to master!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These tenders can be made in just 18 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves crispy chicken tenders, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize the seasoning to suit your taste; add more spice or keep it mild!
- Crispy Texture: The double-dipping method ensures a crunchy crust that elevates your meal.
- Easy Cleanup: Simple ingredients mean less mess in the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy your meal sooner.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather the necessary tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottom skillet/Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, preventing hot spots while frying.
- Medium-sized bowls: Essential for mixing ingredients without spillage during preparation.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off after frying, keeping the tenders crispy.
- Tongs/slotted spoon: Helps you safely turn and remove chicken tenders from hot oil.
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious Homemade Chicken Tenders, you’ll need 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 Coating Mixture
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well and set aside.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Pour about three inches of oil into your heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven.
- Heat over medium-low until the oil reaches approximately 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
- Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated; shake off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Place it back into the flour mixture for another coat. Pat down to form a good crust on the tender.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and become golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked tenders onto a wire rack while you finish frying the remaining batches.
With these steps, your homemade chicken tenders will be ready in no time! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside fresh sides for a complete meal.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Serving homemade chicken tenders is a delightful experience that the whole family can enjoy. These crispy treats can be paired with various sides and sauces to create a satisfying meal.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that adds creamy flavor and complements the crunch.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love heat, buffalo sauce provides a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard balances the savory chicken tenders perfectly.
Add Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing make for a refreshing side.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw pairs well with the tenderness of the chicken.
Serve with Fries or Chips
- French Fries: Golden fries are always a hit; consider seasoning them with garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Potato Chips: Offer a variety of chips for a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Perfecting homemade chicken tenders is all about technique and care. Follow these tips to ensure your tenders turn out crispy and flavorful every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at around 325°F ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Double Dredge: For an extra crispy coating, dip the tenders in flour twice before frying.
- Avoid Crowding the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
- Let Them Drain Properly: Use a wire rack after frying to help maintain crispiness by allowing excess oil to drip off.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade chicken tenders shine when served alongside delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up flavors from your chicken tenders.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements the savory tenders nicely.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans offer a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs well with fried foods.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds a refreshing element, especially on warmer days.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting choice that kids will love alongside chicken tenders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using cold chicken: Always use chicken that is at room temperature for better cooking results. Cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking.
- Not seasoning the flour: Ensure you season your flour mixture well. This helps enhance the flavor of the tenders.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tenders at once can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches for crispy results.
- Skipping the buttermilk soak: Don’t skip this step! It adds moisture and flavor, making your tenders juicy and delicious.
- Ignoring oil temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. If it’s not hot enough, your tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Homemade Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
- They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds. Be cautious as they may become chewy if overheated.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Homemade Chicken Tenders crispy?
The double-dipping method in flour and buttermilk creates a thicker crust, leading to extra crispiness when fried.
Can I bake Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Yes! Bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
How do I make Homemade Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour in the recipe, and ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What dipping sauces go well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
They pair wonderfully with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Feel free to try your favorite sauces!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize by adding spices or trying different coatings. Whether it’s for dinner or a fun snack, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food that the entire family will adore. These tender, juicy strips of chicken are coated in a crispy breading that adds a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun game day snack, this easy recipe is designed for cooks of all skill levels. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy these delightful tenders in under 30 minutes! Customize the seasoning to add your own twist or serve them with an array of dipping sauces for a flavorful experience. Enjoy them hot and fresh alongside your favorite sides for a meal everyone will love!
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
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in one bowl. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture before returning it to the flour for a double coating.
- Fry tenders in batches for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
