Homemade Chicken Tenders

Name: Homemade Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: July 7, 2025

by Sabrina

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

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! Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even a casual gathering, these tender and crispy delights stand out with their flavorful coating and juicy chicken. Plus, they’re simple to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 18 minutes total time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
Kid-Friendly: Kids adore the crispy texture and delicious flavor of homemade chicken tenders.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with dipping sauces, in wraps, or alongside your favorite sides.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Seasoned with garlic and black pepper, they pack a tasty punch that everyone will enjoy.
Easy Cleanup: Using just a few bowls and a skillet means less mess in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Homemade Chicken Tenders, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment is key to achieving that perfect crispiness.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: These tools provide even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly cooked tenders without burning.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
Wire rack: Helps keep the tenders crisp by allowing excess oil to drain off after frying.

Ingredients

For these Homemade Chicken Tenders, you’ll 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 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, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce 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 until it reaches around 325°F.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

While the oil is heating:
1. Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture.
2. Coat each tender well and shake off any excess flour.
3. Dip it into the buttermilk mixture so that it’s fully coated before returning it to the flour mixture.
4. Pat down on the flour to form a good crust.

Step 4: Fry the Tenders

Once the oil is ready:
1. Carefully place the tenders into the hot oil—do not crowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
2. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy.
3. Place cooked tenders on a wire rack while you fry any remaining tenders.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Serving Homemade Chicken Tenders can be a delightful experience for your family and friends. Whether as a main dish or a fun snack, there are many ways to enjoy these crispy treats.

With Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing complements the crispiness of the tenders.
Honey Mustard: A sweet and zesty option that adds flavor with every bite.
Buffalo Sauce: For those who like heat, buffalo sauce brings a spicy kick to your tenders.

On a Salad

Caesar Salad: Add sliced tenders on top of romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing for a hearty meal.
Garden Salad: Toss your chicken tenders with fresh veggies and your favorite dressing for a refreshing dish.

In a Wrap

Chicken Tender Wrap: Place tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce for a quick lunch.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Spice it up by adding buffalo sauce, shredded cheese, and blue cheese dressing in your wrap.

As Sliders

Chicken Tender Sliders: Mini buns filled with homemade chicken tenders create perfect party snacks.
BBQ Chicken Sliders: Top the tenders with BBQ sauce and coleslaw for an extra flavor boost.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders is all about technique. Follow these tips to ensure you achieve crispy and juicy results every time.

Use Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also enhances flavor.
Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, dip the tenders in flour twice before frying.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at 325°F ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches allows for better heat distribution and prevents soggy tenders.
Let Them Rest: After frying, let the tenders sit on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this main dish perfectly.

French Fries: Crispy and classic, French fries are always a hit alongside chicken tenders.
Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds freshness and balances the flavors of the fried chicken.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese makes for a comforting side that everyone loves.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings summer vibes and pairs well with fried food.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts nicely with savory tenders.
Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide another crispy option that is easy to make.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the flour or chicken can make your tenders bland. Always ensure to add salt and spices to enhance flavor.
Crowding the pan: Overloading your skillet can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tenders. Fry in batches to maintain crispiness.
Not checking the oil temperature: Cooking in oil that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your tenders. Use a thermometer to keep it around 325°F throughout frying.
Underestimating cooking time: Cooking tenders for too short a time can leave them raw inside. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Improper dredging technique: Failing to coat the chicken properly might lead to uneven crusts. Follow the dredging steps carefully for a perfect coating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders

Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

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, but be aware they may become soggy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for several minutes until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people love making Homemade Chicken Tenders, and questions often arise. Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips. Adjust cooking time as needed since larger pieces may require longer frying.

How do I make these tenders healthier?

You can bake the tenders instead of frying them. Coat with a light layer of cooking spray and bake at 400°F until golden brown.

What dipping sauces pair well with homemade chicken tenders?

Popular choices include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make delicious gluten-free tenders.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy but also perfect for family meals or gatherings. You can customize them with various spices or serve them with your favorite sauces. Try making them today for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card