If you’re craving a quick and delightful meal, look no further than these Homemade Chicken Tenders. Perfect for weeknight dinners, kid-friendly lunches, or party snacks, this recipe promises juicy chicken with a crispy exterior. Made with simple ingredients, these tenders are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
- Step 5: Fry the Tenders
- How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
- With Dipping Sauces
- As Part of a Salad
- With Sides
- How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
- How do I make homemade chicken tenders crispy?
- What dipping sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?
- Can I bake homemade chicken tenders instead of frying?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 18 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tender bites, making them a hit for any gathering.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or serve alongside salads for a complete meal.
- Crispy Texture: The double-dredging technique ensures that every bite is perfectly crispy and flavorful.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce to fit your family’s tastes or try different seasonings for variety.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything at hand will make this recipe even easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, essential for frying chicken tenders to perfection.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining your ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures thorough mixing of wet ingredients, giving you consistent flavor throughout the tenders.
Ingredients
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 Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl add the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another medium-sized bowl add the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Whisk together until fully combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Place about 3 inches of oil into a heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Bring the oil up to temperature over medium-low heat until it reaches around 325°F.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil is heating:
1. Dredge each chicken tender by placing it one at a time into the flour mixture.
2. Coat well and shake off any excess.
3. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off.
4. Return to the flour mixture and coat again, patting down to form a good crust.
Step 5: Fry the Tenders
Once the oil is ready:
1. Carefully place tenders into the hot oil without crowding.
2. Cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked tenders onto a wire rack while you fry the remaining batches.
Enjoy serving your homemade chicken tenders! They are perfect as an appetizer or main dish that everyone will love.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can please any palate. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering, serving suggestions can elevate the experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy option that complements the crispiness of chicken tenders.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and savory, this sauce adds a delightful contrast to the tender flavors.
- BBQ Sauce: For those who love a smoky flavor, BBQ sauce is perfect for dipping.
- Buffalo Sauce: For spice lovers, a drizzle of buffalo sauce brings heat and zest.
As Part of a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Toss crispy chicken tenders on romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing for a hearty meal.
- Garden Salad: Add sliced tenders to mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for freshness.
- Cobb Salad: Combine chicken tenders with bacon, avocado, and blue cheese for a filling dish.
With Sides
- French Fries: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with homemade chicken tenders.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the meal with its tangy flavor.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To ensure your Homemade Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken tenderloins will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Marinate for Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure oil is at 325°F before adding chicken; this helps achieve that golden brown crust without overcooking the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches allows for even cooking and prevents steaming, which keeps them crispy.
- Use a Wire Rack: Letting fried tenders rest on a wire rack keeps them from getting soggy while cooling down.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pair your Homemade Chicken Tenders with these delicious side dishes to create a complete meal. Each option adds something special to your dining experience.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this comfort food is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet twist on traditional fries and are easy to bake alongside the chicken tenders.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide an earthy counterpart to the flavors of fried chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.
- Baked Beans: A hearty side that complements the crispy texture of chicken tenders beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Homemade Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Marinating Step: Not allowing the chicken to soak in the buttermilk can lead to dry tenders. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for juicy, flavorful results.
- Crowding the Pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature and result in soggy tenders. Fry in small batches to maintain heat.
- Inconsistent Coating: Failing to coat the chicken evenly can cause hot spots during cooking. Ensure each tender is thoroughly coated for a consistent crunch.
- Not Checking Oil Temperature: Cooking in oil that’s not hot enough can lead to greasy tenders. Use a thermometer to keep the oil around 325°F for optimal frying.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking can dry out your chicken tenders. Monitor closely and remove them once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover tenders in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips if tenderloins are unavailable. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I make homemade chicken tenders crispy?
To achieve a crispy crust, ensure proper coating and maintain oil temperature while frying.
What dipping sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?
Classic choices include ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips!
Can I bake homemade chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Coat the tenders as directed, then place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different spices or serve them with various sauces according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!
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Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
If you’re looking for a quick, delightful meal that pleases both kids and adults, these Homemade Chicken Tenders are the answer! In just 18 minutes, you can serve up juicy chicken strips with a perfectly crispy exterior. This versatile recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, fun lunches, or party snacks. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or serve alongside fresh salads for a complete meal that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re cooking for a gathering or just treating yourself, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
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 dry ingredients by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined.
- Heat about three inches of oil in a heavy skillet to approximately 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then return to the flour for a second coat.
- Fry tenders in batches for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (140g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
