Homemade Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, then Homemade Chicken Tenders are a must-try! These crispy, golden bites are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even as a fun lunch. With their tender interior and crunchy exterior, everyone will love this dish. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 18 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy chicken tenders are perfect for kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish, in wraps, or on top of salads for a tasty twist.
• Flavorful Coating: The combination of spices in the flour mixture gives these tenders an irresistible flavor.
• Customizable Heat: Add more or less hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process easier. Having the right equipment not only speeds up cooking but also helps achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Ensures even heating and prevents oil from burning during frying.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps to mix wet ingredients thoroughly for an even coating on the chicken tenders.
• Wire rack: Keeps cooked tenders crispy by allowing excess oil to drain off.

Ingredients

To create these flavorful Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather 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 Dry Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix together well and set aside.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In another medium-sized bowl, add:
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 teaspoons hot sauce

Whisk together until fully combined.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about 3 inches of oil into your heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low heat until the oil reaches around 325°F.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

While the oil is heating up:
1. Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the dry flour mixture.
2. Coat well and shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Finally, return it to the flour mixture and coat again. Pat down gently to form a good crust.

Step 5: Frying Time!

Once the oil is ready:
1. Carefully place the dredged chicken tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan.
2. Cook for about 3–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Use a wire rack to place cooked tenders while you fry any remaining pieces.

Enjoy your homemade chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauces!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade chicken tenders are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, these tenders can be paired with various sides and dips to enhance their flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy sauce that complements the crispy texture.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and savory, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness.
• Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

On a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Top a Caesar salad with chopped chicken tenders for a hearty meal.
• Mixed Greens: Add sliced tenders onto mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette for freshness.

In a Wrap

• Chicken Tender Wraps: Roll your homemade chicken tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for an easy lunch.
• Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Toss the tenders in buffalo sauce and wrap them up with blue cheese dressing and veggies.

As Sliders

• Chicken Tender Sliders: Place tenders on small buns with pickles and your choice of sauce for mini sandwiches that are great for parties.

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How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders

To achieve perfectly crispy homemade chicken tenders, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken while adding flavor and moisture.
• Double Dredge: For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken twice in the flour mixture.
• Temperature Control: Ensure your oil is at 325°F before frying to avoid greasy tenders.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and get even cooking.
• Rest on a Rack: After frying, place the tenders on a wire rack to keep them crisp rather than soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Pairing homemade chicken tenders with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. French Fries: Classic crispy fries seasoned to perfection make an ideal companion.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the tenders.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese provides comfort alongside crispy chicken.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings summer vibes to your plate; grill or boil it for best results.
5. Baked Beans: Savory baked beans add depth of flavor that complements the chicken nicely.
6. Steamed Broccoli: This healthy option adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to overlook key details. Here are some common mistakes and tips to help you avoid them.

• Using the wrong oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the tenders will burn outside but remain raw inside. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is around 325°F.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your flour mixture may lead to bland chicken. Always mix in salt, pepper, and spices for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many tenders in the skillet can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Skipping the double-dredge: One coating might not give you a crispy crust. For extra crunch, dip your tenders in the buttermilk mixture again before coating them with flour.
• Not letting them rest: Immediately serving fried tenders can lead to sogginess. Allow them to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after frying.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Homemade Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but be aware that they may lose crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook each side of the tenders for 3-4 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips, but cooking time may vary slightly.

How do I make my Homemade Chicken Tenders healthier?

You can bake or air fry them instead of frying in oil for a healthier option.

Can I season my chicken differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for added flavor.

What dips pair well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?

Homemade ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce are great dips that complement these tenders perfectly.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any meal. You can customize them with various seasonings and sauces according to your family’s taste preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try today!