Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quick, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or even a casual get-together, this recipe is quick, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. With a crispy exterior and juicy inside, these tenders will become your go-to comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These tenders are ready in just 18 minutes, making them an ideal weeknight meal.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love these crispy delights, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside salads and fries for a complete meal.
- Homemade Goodness: Skip the store-bought options and enjoy fresh, flavorful tenders made from scratch.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste – try adding more spices or different sauces for unique twists.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, preventing uneven cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a well-mixed buttermilk mixture for optimal coating on the chicken.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the cooked tenders while keeping them crispy.
Ingredients
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 Mixture
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 3 inches of oil into your heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until it reaches around 325°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil is heating up, take each chicken tenderloins one at a time.
Dredge it in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
Shake off any excess flour.
Dip it into the buttermilk mixture and let any excess drip off before returning it to the flour mixture.
Coat well once more and pat down to form a good crust.
Step 4: Frying Time!
Once your oil is hot enough, carefully place the coated tenders into the oil one by one. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 3–5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to keep them crispy while you fry the remaining tenders.
Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that everyone enjoys. They can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – A creamy favorite that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy, this sauce brings a fun twist to your tenders.
- Barbecue Sauce – Smoky and flavorful, it adds a delicious kick.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad – Top your greens with tenders for a hearty meal packed with flavor.
- Garden Salad – Fresh veggies complement the tenders, making it a light yet filling option.
As Sliders
- Mini Chicken Tender Sliders – Serve on small buns with lettuce and tomato for an easy-to-eat snack.
In Wraps
- Chicken Tender Wraps – Use tortillas to wrap up tenders with your choice of veggies and sauces for a portable meal.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To achieve crispy and flavorful Homemade Chicken Tenders, follow these handy tips.
- Choose the Right Oil – Use oils with high smoke points like canola or peanut oil for optimal frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature – Make sure the oil is at 325°F; too hot will burn the coating, while too cool will make them soggy.
- Double-Dip for Crunchiness – For an extra crispy crust, dip the chicken tenders twice in the flour mixture after the buttermilk.
- Use a Wire Rack – After frying, place tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy as they cool down.
- Season Generously – Don’t skimp on seasoning; it enhances the flavor of your chicken tenders significantly.
- Let Rest Before Serving – Allow the cooked tenders to rest for a few minutes before eating; this helps retain moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Pair your Homemade Chicken Tenders with these tasty side dishes for a complete meal.
- French Fries – Classic and crunchy, perfect for dipping alongside your chicken.
- Coleslaw – Adds crunch and creaminess, balancing out the savory flavors of the tenders.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy comfort food that complements the crispiness of chicken tenders beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries – A healthier alternative that provides sweetness and nutrition.
- Corn on the Cob – Offers a sweet and juicy contrast to your savory chicken dish.
- Baked Beans – A hearty side that adds depth and flavor to your meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, great for soaking up any leftover sauce or juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not Using Buttermilk: Skipping buttermilk can make your tenders dry. Always use buttermilk for moisture and flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for crispy results.
- Inconsistent Coating: Failing to coat the chicken evenly can result in spots that are either too floury or bare. Take your time to coat each tender properly.
- Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can lead to burnt exteriors and undercooked interiors. Use a thermometer to ensure oil is around 325°F.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Not letting the tenders rest on a wire rack post-frying traps steam, making them soggy. Allow them to sit briefly for optimal crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Homemade Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Place cooled 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 400°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. This may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Chicken Tenders made of?
Homemade Chicken Tenders are made from chicken tenderloins, seasoned flour, buttermilk, and egg. The combination creates a deliciously crispy coating.
Can I bake Homemade Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
What sauces go well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard complement Homemade Chicken Tenders wonderfully. You can easily customize based on your preference.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption of Homemade Chicken Tenders.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different spices or serve them with various dipping sauces. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Homemade Chicken Tenders, a dish that promises to be the star of your dining table. With a perfectly seasoned, golden exterior and juicy interior, these tenders are not just easy to make but also a favorite for both kids and adults alike. In just 18 minutes, you can whip up this delightful comfort food, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers. Pair them with your choice of dipping sauces or serve alongside salads and fries for a complete meal. Enjoy homemade goodness that beats store-bought any day!
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
Instructions
- In one bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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 the flour mixture.
- Fry tenders in batches for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Transfer to a wire rack to keep crispy while frying remaining tenders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken tenders (about 120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
