Homemade Chicken Tenders

Published: July 6, 2025

by Nora

If you want a fun and easy meal that whips up quickly, you have to make these Homemade Chicken Tenders. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or a casual get-together, this recipe promises crispy, golden tenders that everyone will love. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a crowd-pleaser that stands out. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces!

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
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
How to Make Homemade Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare Your Coating Mixture
Step 2: Heat Oil for Frying
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders
With Dipping Sauces
As a Sandwich
On a Salad
As an Appetizer
How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Chicken Tenders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Homemade Chicken Tenders
Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
How do I get my tenders extra crispy?
What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?
How long do Homemade Chicken Tenders last after cooking?
Final Thoughts
📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These homemade chicken tenders take just 18 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the crispy texture and flavorful taste.
Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.
Perfectly Crispy: The double dredging technique ensures a deliciously crunchy coating every time.
Versatile Meal Option: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in salads.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the essential tools to make your Homemade Chicken Tenders effortlessly. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven
Medium-sized bowls (at least two)
Whisk
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for frying perfectly crispy chicken tenders.
Medium-sized bowls: Necessary for mixing dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly without lumps.
Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain from the cooked tenders, keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

For the 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 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 bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined.

Step 2: Heat Oil for Frying

Place about 3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-low until it reaches around 325°F. This temperature will ensure your chicken cooks evenly while developing a golden crust.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

While the oil heats up, dredge each chicken tender one at a time:
Coat each tender in the flour mixture thoroughly.
Shake off any excess flour.
Dip it into the buttermilk mixture and let any excess drip off.
Return it to the flour mixture for a second coating and pat down to form a good crust.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown

Once your oil is ready:
Carefully place the tenders into the hot oil without crowding the pan—fry in batches if necessary.
Cook each side for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack while frying remaining pieces.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Tenders

Homemade Chicken Tenders are versatile and perfect for any meal. You can serve them in various ways that suit your family’s tastes or the occasion.

With Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing enhances the flavors of your tenders.
BBQ Sauce: Smoky BBQ sauce brings a bold flavor that complements the chicken.
Buffalo Sauce: For those who like a kick, spicy buffalo sauce is a great choice.

As a Sandwich

Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a satisfying meal.
Wrap it Up: Add tenders to a tortilla with your favorite veggies and sauce for a quick wrap.

On a Salad

Crispy Chicken Salad: Slice up the tenders and toss them on top of mixed greens with your choice of dressing.
Caesar Salad with Tenders: Add chicken tenders to Caesar salad for extra protein and crunch.

As an Appetizer

Party Platter: Serve tenders as finger food at parties with various dips for guests to enjoy.
Kids’ Snack Plate: Pair tenders with fruit and cheese for a fun snack plate for kids.

How to Perfect Homemade Chicken Tenders

Perfecting your Homemade Chicken Tenders is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to achieve tender, crispy results.

Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken tenderloins for the best flavor and texture.
Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken soak in buttermilk longer enhances tenderness and taste.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 325°F while frying; too hot will burn the crust while undercooked inside.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Use a Wire Rack: Place cooked tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to retain 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 dish beautifully.

French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a hit alongside chicken tenders.
Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and acidity to balance out rich flavors.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac ‘n’ cheese provides comfort and richness alongside crispy chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies add color, nutrition, and freshness to your plate.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is an easy side that pairs well with savory chicken tenders.
Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans add depth of flavor that complements fried foods perfectly.
Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide a hearty alternative to traditional fries.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad can cut through the richness of fried food while adding freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Chicken Tenders can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Skipping the Buttermilk: Not using buttermilk can make your tenders dry. The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in smaller batches for a crispy texture.
Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking at an incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is around 325°F.
Not Patting Dry: If you don’t pat the chicken dry before coating, the flour may not stick properly. Always ensure your chicken is dry for better crust adhesion.
Rushing the Cooking Time: Cooking tenders too quickly may leave them raw inside. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Homemade Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
They will last 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 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Chicken Tenders

Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Chicken Tenders.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

How do I get my tenders extra crispy?

For extra crunch, double-dip your chicken by repeating the flour and buttermilk steps before frying.

What dipping sauces pair well with Homemade Chicken Tenders?

Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch dressing are excellent choices that complement their flavor.

How long do Homemade Chicken Tenders last after cooking?

They typically last up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different seasonings or serve them with various dips based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for a comforting meal that everyone will love!

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

📖 Recipe Card