Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quick, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. They’re perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even a delightful weeknight treat. Tender, juicy chicken coated in a crispy crust makes them irresistible! Plus, this homemade version is healthier than store-bought options and allows you to customize the seasonings to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 18 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these delicious tenders, making dinner time enjoyable.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices and sauces according to your taste preferences. Add more heat or herbs!
- Perfectly Crispy: The double coating ensures a crispy exterior that locks in the juicy goodness of the chicken.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve them with dipping sauces, in sandwiches, or as part of a salad for endless meal possibilities.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, preventing hot spots that can burn the chicken.
- Medium-sized mixing bowls: Ideal for preparing your flour mixture and wet ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined for consistent flavor in each tender.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the tenders after frying, keeping them crispy instead of soggy.
Ingredients
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quick you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. The whole family will love them.
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
Place about 3 inches of oil into your heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until it reaches around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
While the oil heats up:
1. Take each chicken tender and place it into the flour mixture.
2. Coat well and shake off excess flour.
3. Dip into the buttermilk mixture; allow any excess to drip off.
4. Return to the flour mixture for another coating; pat down gently to form a good crust.
Step 4: Frying Time!
Once the oil is ready:
1. Carefully place chicken tenders into hot oil—do not crowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
2. Cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from oil.
4. Place cooked tenders on a wire rack while frying remaining batches.
Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the crispy texture of the tenders.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky and rich, BBQ sauce adds a bold flavor that enhances each bite.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch dressing is a classic dip that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Over a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Slice the tenders on top of romaine lettuce, add croutons, and drizzle with Caesar dressing for a filling meal.
- Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with your favorite veggies and top it off with sliced chicken tenders for added protein.
In a Sandwich
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of mayo or sauce for a delicious handheld meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the chicken tenders along with fresh veggies and your favorite dressing for an easy lunch option.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To achieve the ultimate crispy texture and flavor in your Homemade Chicken Tenders, follow these essential tips.
- Use Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat while adding moisture and flavor.
- Double Dredge: For extra crunch, coat the tenders twice in flour after dipping them in buttermilk.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at around 325°F for even cooking. Too hot can burn the outside before cooking through; too cool will make them greasy.
- Rest After Frying: Allow the cooked tenders to rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep them crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pairing your Homemade Chicken Tenders with complementary sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some popular side dishes you might want to try.
- French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are a classic choice that everyone loves. Consider seasoning them with garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast. The creaminess balances out the savory chicken tenders perfectly.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort food at its finest, cheesy macaroni is always a hit alongside chicken tenders.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled brings out summer flavors and is easy to prepare.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide sweetness and protein, making them a great side dish option.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a healthier twist on traditional fries while still being deliciously sweet and crunchy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be easy, but small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many tenders at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches for a crispy finish.
- Skipping the Dredging Process: Not properly coating the chicken can lead to soggy tenders. Follow the dredging steps closely for a great crust.
- Inaccurate Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot or too cold, it can ruin the texture. Use a thermometer to maintain 325°F for perfect frying.
- Using Non-Heavy Bottom Skillets: Lightweight pans can heat unevenly and cause burning. Opt for a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Ignoring Internal Temperature: Undercooking chicken can lead to safety issues. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow chicken tenders to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
- They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
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 in short intervals, but expect softer texture.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips. Just ensure they are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
What can I serve with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard, and serve alongside fries or a fresh salad.
How do I make Homemade Chicken Tenders spicier?
Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your flour mixture for an added kick!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Are Homemade Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to make them gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. They are perfect for any family meal and offer plenty of room for customization—try different seasonings or serve with various dips. Enjoy creating your own version today!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution for a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love. These crispy, juicy tenders are made from fresh chicken tenderloins, coated in a seasoned buttermilk batter and fried to golden perfection. Not only do they make for an ideal weeknight dinner, but they also shine as game day snacks or in lunchboxes. With customizable flavors and a satisfying crunch, you can easily adjust the spices and sauces to suit your taste. Plus, making them at home means you can enjoy a healthier option than store-bought varieties. Serve them with your favorite dips or alongside salads for a delightful dining experience.
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
- Prepare the coatings: In one bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to about 325°F.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each tender in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then return to the flour for a second coat.
- Fry: Carefully place tenders into hot oil without crowding. Fry for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy; ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drain: Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
