Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quick, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. They are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or even a casual get-together with friends. The juicy chicken inside is complemented by a crispy, flavorful coating that everyone will love. Plus, they are simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These tenders take just 18 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Children adore the taste of homemade chicken tenders, making them a hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile: Serve them as a main dish or as an appetizer at parties; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Crispy & Flavorful: The combination of spices and buttermilk ensures these tenders are both crispy and full of flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients makes this recipe easy on the wallet while providing a delicious meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are the necessary equipment items needed for preparing Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottom skillet
- Dutch oven (optional)
- Medium-sized bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottom skillet: Provides even heat distribution for frying, helping prevent uneven cooking.
- Whisk: Ensures thorough mixing of the buttermilk mixture for consistent coating on the chicken.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the cooked tenders while keeping them crispy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders:
- 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 Your 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 together until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Pour 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 3: Dredge the Chicken
- While the oil heats, dredge each chicken tender by placing it into the flour mixture one at a time.
- Coat each tender well and shake off any excess flour.
- Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off before returning it to the flour mixture for another coat.
- Pat down the flour on each tender to form a good crust.
Step 4: Frying Time!
- Once the oil is ready, carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan; do this in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and turn golden brown and crispy.
- Place cooked tenders on a wire rack while frying any remaining tenders.
Enjoy your Homemade Chicken Tenders! They are sure to become a family favorite.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy dip that complements the crispy texture of chicken tenders.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and zesty, this sauce adds a delightful flavor contrast to the savory tenders.
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who love heat, buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick to your chicken.
Create a Chicken Tender Sandwich
- Toasted Bun: Place the chicken tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a hearty sandwich.
- Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the tenders with fresh veggies and sauces for an easy handheld meal.
Serve with Salads
- Caesar Salad: Top a classic Caesar salad with sliced homemade chicken tenders for added protein and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw pairs well with the tenderness of the chicken, creating a refreshing combination.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Getting your Homemade Chicken Tenders just right involves a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken tenderloins for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure your oil reaches 325°F before frying. This helps achieve that golden brown crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Avoid Crowding the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let Them Rest: Allow cooked tenders to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a selection of sides that complement this delicious meal.
- French Fries: Crispy and salty fries make for a classic comfort food side that everyone loves.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a soothing contrast to crunchy chicken tenders.
- Steamed Broccoli: A light and healthy option, steamed broccoli balances out the richness of fried chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings vibrant color and flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy favorite is always a hit, especially among kids!
- Baked Beans: The sweet and savory profile of baked beans pairs excellently with fried chicken dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but some common mistakes can hinder the final result. Here are key pitfalls to avoid for the best tenders.
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to soak in buttermilk can result in dry tenders. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for added moisture and flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many tenders in the hot oil at once leads to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve a crispy crust.
- Not checking oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your tenders will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is around 325°F before frying.
- Inconsistent coating: Failing to coat the chicken evenly can cause some parts to cook differently. Make sure each tender is thoroughly coated in flour and buttermilk mixture.
- Ignoring resting time: Serving right after frying might make them soggy. Allow your tenders to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving for optimal texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked homemade chicken tenders in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 months when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F, place tenders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding homemade chicken tenders that may help you perfect your dish.
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips as an alternative to tenderloins.
What can I serve with homemade chicken tenders?
Homemade chicken tenders pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Serve with sides like fries or a salad.
How do I make homemade chicken tenders gluten-free?
To make gluten-free homemade chicken tenders, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or serve them alongside various dips. Try making them today for a meal everyone will enjoy!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately four servings 1x
Description
Homemade Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or game day snacks. Juicy and tender chicken strips are coated in a seasoned, crispy crust that everyone will love. With just 18 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is quick and simple, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, they can be paired with various dipping sauces or served as a delicious sandwich. Customize them to suit your taste and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
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, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottom skillet to around 325°F.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture first, then coat in the buttermilk mixture before returning to the flour for a second coating.
- Fry tenders in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Drain on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
