Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a delightful family meal that’s quick and easy, Homemade Chicken Tenders are your answer. These tasty bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With a crispy exterior and juicy inside, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Everyone will love diving into these homemade treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 18 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore chicken tenders, making this dish a surefire hit with young diners.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices and sauces to match your family’s preferences or try different dipping sauces.
- Crispy Texture: The double-dredge technique ensures each tender is perfectly coated for that satisfying crunch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze the extras for an easy meal later on.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Homemade Chicken Tenders, having the right tools can make all the difference. Below are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, essential for frying without burning your chicken.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, ensuring proper coating.
- Whisk: Helps mix the buttermilk mixture thoroughly, ensuring an even flavor throughout your chicken 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 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 add the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce, whisk together until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place about 3 inches of oil into a heavy bottom skillet with deep sides; I also like to use a Dutch oven for this. Bring the oil up to temperature over medium-low heat. Oil temperature should be around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil is heating, dredge the chicken tenders by placing them one at a time into the flour mixture. Coat each tender well and shake off any excess flour. Dip the tender into the buttermilk mixture allowing any excess to drip off. Place it back into the flour mixture and coat well again, patting down to form a good crust.
Step 4: Frying Time!
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan; you will have to do this in batches. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy. Once done, place them on a wire rack while you fry the rest of the tenders.
Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and perfect for any meal. You can serve them in various ways that will please everyone at the table.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy dip that pairs perfectly with crispy tenders.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and savory, this sauce adds a delightful twist to chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love spice, buffalo sauce brings heat and flavor.
As a Sandwich
- Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the tenders on a bun with lettuce and tomato for a hearty meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap tenders with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for an easy lunch.
On a Salad
- Crispy Chicken Salad: Add sliced homemade chicken tenders on top of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a filling salad.
- Caesar Salad: Toss tenders with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a classic dish.
Kid-Friendly Meal
- Tenders with Fries: Serve homemade chicken tenders alongside crispy fries for the ultimate kid-approved meal.
- Platter Style: Create a platter with various dips and veggies for a fun family dinner.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To ensure your Homemade Chicken Tenders come out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken tenderloins will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk keeps it moist and adds flavor.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Make sure your oil is at 325°F before frying to achieve that golden brown crust.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches to keep the temperature consistent.
- Let Them Rest: After frying, let the tenders rest on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pairing sides with your Homemade Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic side that complements chicken perfectly.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds freshness and balances the richness of fried chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting choice that kids love.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds color and sweetness to your plate.
- Green Beans Almondine: Simple sautéed green beans with almonds provide a healthy crunch.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes offer another filling side option that’s easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can hinder your success. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping the marination step: Not allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk reduces tenderness. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for juicier tenders.
- Crowding the pan: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy tenders. Fry in batches to ensure they cook properly and stay crispy.
- Ignoring oil temperature: Using oil that’s too hot or too cold affects the texture. Use a thermometer to maintain a constant 325°F for perfect frying.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned flour leads to bland chicken. Be generous with spices in the flour mixture for flavorful tenders.
- Skipping the double coating: A single dip doesn’t yield a great crust. Double coat each tender for an extra crispy exterior.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked tenders in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they last up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and fry on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Homemade Chicken Tenders:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips. Adjust cooking time accordingly as they may take longer than tenderloins.
What can I serve with homemade chicken tenders?
Pair these delicious tenders with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. They also go well with fries or salad.
Can I make homemade chicken tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
How do I make homemade chicken tenders spicier?
Add more hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or include cayenne pepper in the flour blend for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer endless possibilities for customization. You can adjust spices, try different marinades, or pair them with various dips. Make them your own and enjoy this comforting dish that everyone will love!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving a quick and delicious family meal, look no further than Homemade Chicken Tenders. These crispy, juicy bites are incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. With a delightful crunch and customizable flavors, everyone will enjoy diving into these treats! Whether paired with your favorite dipping sauces or served on a sandwich, Homemade Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit at your table.
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 together the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven to 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture for extra crunch.
- Fry tenders in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let drain on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
