Name: Homemade Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
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

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that everyone in the family will enjoy, try making Homemade Chicken Tenders. These crispy delights are perfect for dinner, lunch, or even as a snack. With their golden crust and juicy interior, they stand out among traditional chicken recipes. Plus, they are easy to customize with your favorite sauces and sides!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 18 minutes, you can have a tasty meal ready to serve.
Kid-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with children and adults alike, making them a great choice for family meals.

Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with your favorite dips or alongside salads and veggies.
Crispy Texture: Achieve that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking your Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
Mixing bowls

Whisk
Wire rack
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, ensuring that your chicken cooks thoroughly without burning.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily while preventing spills.
Whisk: Helps in seamlessly blending wet ingredients together for an even coating on the chicken tenders.

Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the fried tenders, keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

To make your Homemade Chicken Tenders, you will need:

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 Mixtures

In a medium-sized bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well and set aside. In another 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. Bring it up to temperature over medium-low heat until it reaches around 325°F.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

While the oil heats up:
1. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture to coat well.
2. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture and let any excess drip off again.
4. Return it to the flour mixture for a second coating; pat down to create a good crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Once your oil is ready:
1. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil without overcrowding.
2. Cook for about 3–5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Check that their internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
4. Transfer them to a wire rack while you fry any remaining tenders.

Enjoy serving these delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade Chicken Tenders are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together, these tenders will satisfy everyone’s cravings.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: A classic choice, ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of chicken tenders.
Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard adds a delightful twist to each bite.
BBQ Sauce: For a smoky flavor, serve your tenders with BBQ sauce for dipping.

In a Sandwich

Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place warm tenders on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a hearty meal.
Wrap It Up: Use tortillas to wrap chicken tenders with greens and your favorite dressing for a fresh option.

As Part of a Salad

Crispy Chicken Salad: Slice the tenders and top mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing.

Caesar Salad with Chicken: Add homemade chicken tenders to Caesar salad for an extra protein boost.

On Skewers

Skewered Chicken Tenders: Thread cooked tenders onto skewers for an easy-to-eat appetizer at parties.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Homemade Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips for the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins yield the best flavor and texture.
Double Dredging: For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken by coating it in flour twice before frying.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at 325°F to achieve that golden brown crust without overcooking the meat.

Do Not Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to prevent steaming; this keeps your tenders crispy.
Let Them Rest: After frying, place the tenders on a wire rack to cool slightly; this helps retain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some great options.

French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic companion that everyone loves; try seasoning them with garlic or paprika.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit; it adds comfort alongside crispy tenders.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness that complements savory chicken.
Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a healthier twist and add natural sweetness to your plate.
Mixed Vegetables: Sautéed or steamed vegetables add color and nutrition; consider broccoli or green beans for balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the marinade: Failing to soak the chicken in buttermilk can result in dry tenders. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many tenders at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for a crispy exterior.

Not using a thermometer: Relying solely on cooking time may leave you with undercooked or overcooked tenders. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your flour mixture can lead to bland tenders. Be generous with spices for flavor that pops.
Inconsistent coating: Skipping steps in the dredging process can result in uneven breading. Ensure each tender is well-coated for a perfect crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooked tenders in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders

Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; this may make them less crispy.

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, adding a little oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Homemade Chicken Tenders healthier?

You can bake instead of fry them. Coat the tenders with olive oil and seasonings before placing them on a baking sheet.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips if tenderloins aren’t available. Just make sure they are evenly sized for even cooking.

What should I serve with Homemade Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard, as well as sides like fries or salads for a complete meal.

How do I customize Homemade Chicken Tenders?

Feel free to add different spices or herbs to the flour mixture or experiment with coatings like breadcrumbs or crushed cereal for added texture.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them plain or with various dips, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite spices or serving them alongside your preferred sides!