If you’re looking for a delicious and simple meal, Homemade Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a crispy, flavorful bite that everyone in the family will adore. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these tenders stand out with their juicy interior and crunchy coating, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

Save it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These tenders come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavor appeals to kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone clears their plates.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs for a unique twist.
Perfectly Crispy: The double-dredging technique gives each tender a satisfying crunch.
Great for Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you enjoy making your Homemade Chicken Tenders.

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 dry ingredients and wet mixtures efficiently.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps, ensuring good adhesion to the chicken.
Wire rack: Allows cooked tenders to drain excess oil while keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

For these delicious 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 Mixtures

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 a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until the oil reaches around 325°F.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

While the oil is heating:
1. Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour mixture.
2. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the buttermilk mixture.
3. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before returning it to the flour mixture.
4. Pat down the flour on each tender to form a solid crust.

Step 4: Frying Time!

Once the oil is ready:
1. Carefully place each tender into the hot oil one at a time; do not overcrowd the pan.
2. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove from oil and place on a wire rack while you fry the remaining tenders.

Now you have delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders ready to be enjoyed! They make an excellent main course paired with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be paired with various sides and dips for a delicious meal. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will elevate your chicken tender experience.

With Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the crispy tenders beautifully.
Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet, this classic sauce pairs perfectly with the crunch of the tenders.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy and flavorful, ranch works well for those who enjoy a cool dip with their chicken.
Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, drizzle some buffalo sauce over your tenders or serve it on the side.

On a Salad

Caesar Salad: Top your classic Caesar salad with homemade chicken tenders for added protein and crunch.
Garden Salad: Fresh greens combined with crispy tenders create a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

In a Wrap

Chicken Tender Wrap: Wrap your tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressings for an easy meal on-the-go.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Spice things up by adding buffalo sauce, cheese, and veggies in a wrap.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders

Making perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders is easy when you follow these simple tips. With the right techniques, you’ll achieve that crispy texture every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins and high-quality spices enhance the flavor significantly.
Temperature Control: Ensure your oil is at 325°F before frying to achieve that golden color without burning.
Double Dredge: For extra crunch, double coat your tenders by dipping them back into the flour after the buttermilk mixture.
Do Not Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature; overcrowding can lead to soggy tenders.
Rest on a Wire Rack: Letting the cooked tenders rest on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy from steam.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with Homemade Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal and add variety. Here are some great options to consider.

French Fries: Crispy fries seasoned with salt make for a classic pairing that everyone loves.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch alongside the rich flavor of chicken tenders.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort food indulgence to your meal.
Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a delightful contrast to the savory taste of fried chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness and freshness to your plate.
Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, these add sweetness while being equally delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the Buttermilk: Not marinating in buttermilk can lead to dry chicken. Make sure to soak your tenderloins in buttermilk for juicy results.
Crowding the Pan: Overloading the skillet can lower the oil temperature. Fry tenders in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
Not Preheating Oil: Failing to heat oil properly may result in soggy tenders. Use a thermometer to ensure oil reaches 325°F before frying.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking tenders for too long can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 165°F.
Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season the flour mix can make your tenders bland. Don’t skip the spices; they add flavor and depth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders

Freeze tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
They will remain good for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders

Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes; this may make them less crispy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders.

How do I make my chicken tenders extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure you double-dip your chicken after coating it with flour. This creates a thicker crust that fries up beautifully.

Can I bake Homemade Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, place them on a baking tray and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of chicken is best for homemade tenders?

Chicken tenderloins work best due to their tenderness and quick cooking time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.

Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various spices or herbs according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. Customize them with different spices or serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Try making this recipe today and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will love!

Homemade Chicken Tenders

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Ivy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade Chicken Tenders are your go-to solution for a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love. These crispy, golden strips of chicken are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With their tender interior and satisfying crunch, these tenders can be customized with your favorite seasonings and paired with an array of dipping sauces for a delightful culinary experience. This recipe guarantees juicy chicken and a perfectly crispy coating, making them an irresistible comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottom skillet to 325°F.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again with flour.
Fry tenders in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Drain on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American