Homemade Chicken Tenders
If you’re craving a delightful meal that’s both fun and quick to prepare, look no further than these Homemade Chicken Tenders. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. Not only are these tenders crispy and flavorful, but they also offer a versatile base for sauces and sides that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 18 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy texture and delicious flavor appeal to kids and adults alike.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices or marinades to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack!
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal equipment needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up afterward.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your Homemade Chicken Tenders come out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven
- Medium-sized bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for frying, ensuring your tenders cook evenly.
- Medium-sized bowls: Ideal for mixing ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even coating on the chicken.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off after frying, keeping your tenders crispy.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders, you will need 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 Coating
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 or Dutch oven. Bring the oil up to temperature over medium-low heat; it should reach around 325°F.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
While the oil heats up, dredge each chicken tender by placing it one at a time into the flour mixture. Coat well and shake off any excess flour. Dip each tender into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off before returning it back into the flour mixture to coat again. Pat down the flour onto the tender to create a good crust.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown
Once the oil is ready, carefully place tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, place them on a wire rack while you fry any remaining tenders.
Now you have perfectly cooked Homemade Chicken Tenders that are ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple meal or something more festive, these chicken tenders can be the star of your table.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the tenders.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and herby, ranch dressing is a classic choice that complements the flavors well.
- Buffalo Sauce – For those who love heat, buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates the tenders.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad – Add sliced chicken tenders on top of romaine lettuce for a hearty salad option.
- Garden Salad – Toss some tenders into a mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fresh meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad – Combine tenders with mixed greens, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce for a zesty salad.
In Sandwiches
- Chicken Tender Wrap – Wrap them in tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for an easy meal.
- Classic Chicken Tender Sandwich – Serve them in a bun with pickles and mayo for a delicious handheld treat.
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
To ensure your Homemade Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and spices enhance the flavor significantly.
- Double Dredge – For an extra crispy coating, dip the tenders in flour twice before frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping oil at 325°F ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Let Them Rest – Allowing cooked tenders to rest on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness by preventing steam buildup.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Homemade Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- French Fries – Crispy fries are always a hit; consider seasoning them with garlic salt or paprika.
- Coleslaw – This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy chicken.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac adds comfort to your plate and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty accompaniment that balances flavors well.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness that pairs nicely with chicken tenders.
- Steamed Vegetables – A medley of colorful veggies adds nutrition while keeping your plate vibrant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple and rewarding, but avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to properly season the flour mixture. Always ensure you add enough salt and spices for flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: It may be tempting to cook all tenders at once, but this leads to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for a crispy texture.
- Not checking oil temperature: Cooking in oil that’s too cool will result in greasy tenders. Use a thermometer to maintain the right heat at 325°F.
- Inadequate coating: Failing to coat the chicken evenly can lead to dry spots. Make sure each tender is well-coated in both flour and buttermilk mixtures.
- Skipping the wire rack: Placing cooked tenders directly on paper towels traps steam, making them soggy. Use a wire rack for optimal crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Homemade Chicken Tenders can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
- Place tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium for about 1-2 minutes; this may soften the coating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Homemade Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or oat flour. This way, you can still enjoy delicious tenders without gluten.
Can I bake Homemade Chicken Tenders instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake them. Coat your tenders and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Classic options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!
How do I keep my Homemade Chicken Tenders crispy?
After frying, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from making them soggy and maintains their crunchiness.
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed completely before following the recipe instructions for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with various seasonings or dips according to your preferences. Try out different flavors and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish any night of the week!
Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option, Homemade Chicken Tenders are the perfect choice. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders can be prepared in just 18 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With a simple coating of seasoned flour and buttermilk, you can customize these tenders to match your taste preferences. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or add them to salads and sandwiches for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
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 a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Heat about 3 inches of oil in a skillet to 325°F.
- Dredge chicken tenders in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again with flour.
- Fry tenders in hot oil for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 chicken tenders (120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
