Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, Homemade Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. Easy to prepare, these tender, crispy delights are great for family dinners, game day snacks, or even a fun party dish. Their versatility and flavor make them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 18 minutes needed from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Crispy Texture: The double-dredging method ensures a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken inside.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more hot sauce or seasoning as per your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore these tenders, making them an excellent choice for picky eaters.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party snack, these tenders fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Homemade Chicken Tenders, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, preventing burnt spots.
- Medium-sized mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without any mess.
- Wire rack: Keeps chicken tenders crispy by allowing air circulation as they cool.
Ingredients
To create 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 Coating Mixture
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 three inches of oil into your heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until it reaches around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil is heating:
Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. Pat down to form a good crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Once the oil is hot:
Carefully place a few breaded tenders in the oil—avoid crowding.
Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack while frying the rest.
Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders fresh out of the fryer!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy tenders.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch is a classic choice for dipping.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love spice, buffalo sauce adds a kick to your tenders.
In a Sandwich
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place tenders in a bun with lettuce and tomato for a hearty meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla, add tenders, veggies, and a drizzle of sauce for an easy wrap.
Over Salad
- Crispy Chicken Salad: Toss the tenders on top of mixed greens with your favorite dressing.
- Caesar Salad with Tenders: Upgrade your Caesar by adding our homemade chicken tenders for extra protein.
As Part of a Platter
- Appetizer Platter: Serve tenders alongside other finger foods like veggies and chips for parties.
- Family Dinner Platter: Arrange tenders with sides like fries or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Perfecting your homemade chicken tenders can elevate your cooking game. Follow these tips to achieve crispy, juicy results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tends to have better flavor and texture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk overnight enhances tenderness.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is at 325°F before frying for the best crispiness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Pat Dry Before Coating: Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them hot out of the fryer for maximum crunchiness.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a hit with chicken tenders. Bake or fry until golden brown.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances the flavors of fried chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese makes an indulgent pairing that kids love.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness that complements savory tenders.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans offer a hearty side that works well with fried foods.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges add another layer of texture and flavor to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Homemade Chicken Tenders.
- Rushing the Oil Temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 325°F.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Skipping seasoning in your flour mixture can lead to bland chicken tenders. Make sure to use salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature and cause uneven cooking. Fry in batches to ensure crispy results.
- Skipping the Double Dredge: Failing to double dip your chicken will result in a less crunchy coating. Ensure you coat them in flour, then buttermilk, and back to flour for that perfect crust.
- Neglecting Rest Time: Letting the cooked tenders sit on paper towels can make them soggy. Instead, place them on a wire rack for better airflow.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer texture.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just make sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
How do I make these tenders gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version of homemade chicken tenders.
What dipping sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?
Popular choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even buffalo sauce for those who like it spicy!
How can I customize my homemade chicken tenders?
Feel free to add different spices or herbs to your flour mix. Paprika or Italian seasoning can add extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! They are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. You can customize them with various seasonings or dips to suit everyone’s taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a favorite!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love! These crispy, juicy delights come together in just 18 minutes, making them perfect for family dinners or game day snacks. By using a double-dredging technique, you’ll achieve a crunchy exterior that perfectly contrasts with tender chicken inside. Customize the flavor to suit your taste by adjusting spices or incorporating different dipping sauces. Whether served alone, in sandwiches, or on salads, these chicken tenders are versatile and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade 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 teaspoons hot sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture by combining flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat three inches of oil in a heavy-bottom skillet over medium-low heat until it reaches 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour for a second coating.
- Fry the tenders in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
