Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy, Homemade Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. These tender, juicy bites are easy to prepare and work well for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings. With a crispy coating and flavorful seasoning, they stand out among other chicken dishes. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite dipping sauces to make them even more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 18 minutes from start to finish, you can have a tasty meal ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these homemade tenders, making them a hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve with a variety of dips or alongside salads and sides for a balanced meal.
- Crispy Texture: The double-coating method ensures each piece is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices or add your favorite herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls (2 medium-sized)
- Whisk
- Wire rack for draining
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: These provide even heat distribution which is crucial for frying your chicken tenders evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps maintain organization and ensures proper coating of the chicken.
- Whisk: A whisk helps blend the buttermilk mixture thoroughly for an even flavor throughout the tenders.
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
Pour about three inches of oil into your heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until it reaches approximately 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil heats up, dredge each chicken tender one at a time in the flour mixture. Ensure they are well coated before shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip each tender into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Return it to the flour mixture for another coating; pat down to create a good crust.
Step 4: Frying Time
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding them. Cook in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer on a wire rack while frying remaining tenders.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade chicken tenders are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy dip that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of chicken tenders.
- Honey Mustard: This sweet and zesty sauce adds a delightful flavor contrast to the savory chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky and sweet, BBQ sauce complements the crunchiness of homemade chicken tenders.
In a Sandwich
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the tenders inside a bun, add lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the tenders along with fresh veggies and dressing for a tasty lunch option.
Over Salad
- Crispy Chicken Salad: Slice the tenders over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a hearty salad.
- Caesar Salad Twist: Add chicken tenders to Caesar salad for an extra protein boost and satisfying crunch.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Making perfect homemade chicken tenders is all about technique. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk longer enhances its juiciness and flavor.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure your oil reaches 325°F before frying; this helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches prevents steaming, ensuring each tender is crispy on all sides.
- Let Them Rest: Allow fried tenders to rest on a wire rack; this keeps them crispy while cooling down.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix herbs or spices into your flour coating for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pairing sides with homemade chicken tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser alongside chicken tenders.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of fried chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac & cheese is a comfort food favorite that complements the tenders well.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a hearty side that goes nicely with chicken dishes.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Homemade Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your tenders turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the flour mixture can lead to bland chicken. Always add salt and spices to enhance flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once lowers the temperature, resulting in soggy tenders. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
- Not using buttermilk: Omitting buttermilk can make the batter less flavorful and tender. Use buttermilk for a moist and flavorful coating.
- Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can cause either burnt outsides or undercooked insides. Use a thermometer to keep the oil around 325°F.
- Forgetting to rest cooked tenders: Skipping the wire rack after frying traps steam, leading to sogginess. Let them rest on a rack to maintain their crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow tenders to cool completely before sealing them.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Freeze cooked tenders in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 1-2 minutes, but note this may make them soggy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning frequently for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a favorite meal for many families. Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.
How do I make Homemade Chicken Tenders crispy?
To achieve crispy tenders, ensure you coat them well with flour and fry at the correct temperature (around 325°F).
Can I use different spices for Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning blend based on your preferences. Paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian herbs work well.
How long does it take to prepare Homemade Chicken Tenders?
The total time is about 18 minutes, including prep and cook time, making it a quick meal option!
What can I serve with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
These tenders pair beautifully with various sides like coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delightful but also versatile. You can spice them up or serve them with different dips. Encourage your family and friends to try this simple recipe that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than Homemade Chicken Tenders. These crispy, golden bites are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, they can be customized with various dipping sauces or served in sandwiches and salads. With just 18 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love. Tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these chicken strips are sure to become a household favorite!
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
- In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then return to the flour for a second coating.
- Fry tenders in batches for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (120g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
