Homemade Chicken Tenders: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Need

Homemade Chicken Tenders are a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish that’s both loved by kids and adults alike. These tender and crispy strips of chicken can bring a sense of satisfaction to any meal. They can be enjoyed on their own, dipped in your favorite sauces, or served alongside delicious sides. Not only are they incredibly satisfying, but making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that they are healthier and tailored to your taste.

If you’ve ever craved that crispy texture and juicy flavor of chicken tenders from your favorite restaurant, you’re in for a treat. Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only easy to prepare, but they also promise to deliver an experience that’s both comforting and delightful. As you prepare these tenders, the aroma will fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. In this guide, we will delve into the recipe, including why you will love it, preparation and cooking times, a detailed ingredients list, step-by-step instructions, and tips on how to serve them perfectly.

Let’s embark on this culinary adventure and discover the joys of crafting your own Homemade Chicken Tenders!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Getting Homemade Chicken Tenders ready is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

These times may vary based on your experience, equipment, and the size of the chicken pieces, but this timeline provides a solid estimate to help you plan for a meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making your own Homemade Chicken Tenders can be an enjoyable process when you follow these steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a small piece of the breading mixture; it should sizzle upon contact.
4. Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken strips from the buttermilk. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off, then dredge each strip in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breading adheres well.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the Oil: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb excess oil for a crispier result.
7. Serve Hot: Enjoy the tenders hot out of the skillet or keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

By following these steps, you will create Homemade Chicken Tenders that are incredibly crispy and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving your Homemade Chicken Tenders, here are some suggestions to elevate the dining experience:

1. Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce for guests to choose from.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks, macaroni and cheese, or coleslaw to create a well-rounded meal.
3. Presentation: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter or in a basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe.
4. Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a pop of color and added freshness.
5. Sides: Consider serving alongside crispy fries, a fresh salad, or corn on the cob to enhance the meal.

By thoughtfully presenting your Homemade Chicken Tenders, you can make your meal not just delicious but also visually appealing, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone at the table.

Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer: The longer you can let the chicken sit in the buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it will be. A minimum of 30 minutes is suggested, but overnight is best.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but still juicy, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices in your breading to suit your taste. Try adding dried herbs like thyme or basil for an extra flavor boost.
• Keep it Crispy: For extra crunch, double coat your chicken by dipping it back in the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again before frying.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the oil. If you have to hold them, keep them in a warm oven, but avoid stacking them to maintain their crispiness.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative with these Homemade Chicken Tenders! Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add more cayenne pepper or even a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for an extra kick.
2. Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Mix freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy flavor.
3. Baked Chicken Tenders: For a healthier alternative, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment

Some kitchen tools will make the preparation of Homemade Chicken Tenders easier:

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Useful for flattening the chicken strips for even cooking.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: Helps maintain the right temperature for frying.
• Skillet or Deep Fryer: Choose the right pot for frying, ensuring it’s deep enough to hold oil without overflowing.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling the chicken strips while frying.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With the right spices and techniques, you can achieve that perfect crispy coating and juicy interior that everyone loves. Whether you enjoy them with a variety of sauces or incorporate them into other meals, these chicken tenders are sure to please any palate. Plus, by making them at home, you ensure that the ingredients are fresh and tailored to your taste. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and delight in this homemade treasure!