If you love Chick-Fil-A’s famous chicken tenders, you’re in for a treat! These homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with that signature flavor. With a simple brine, a perfectly seasoned breading, and a golden, crispy finish, these tenders are just like the real deal—but even better because you can make them at home anytime!
Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a fun family dinner, or a party, this copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders recipe will have everyone asking for more. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces—Chick-Fil-A Sauce, honey mustard, or ranch—for the ultimate experience.
What Makes Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders So Special?
Chick-Fil-A’s chicken tenders stand out because of their unique brining process and perfectly seasoned breading. The secret? Pickle juice! The chicken is marinated in a mixture of pickle juice and buttermilk, which not only tenderizes the meat but also gives it a signature tangy flavor. The coating is a blend of seasonings that provide a slightly sweet yet savory crunch, making each bite irresistible.
This homemade version recreates that magic so you can enjoy your favorite Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders any day of the week!
Ingredients (in grams)
For the chicken and brine:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 240ml pickle juice (1 cup)
- 240ml buttermilk (1 cup)
For the breading:
- 200g all-purpose flour (1 ½ cups)
- 50g cornstarch (¼ cup)
- 1 tablespoon (12g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
- ½ teaspoon (2g) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2g) cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
For the wet batter:
- 1 large egg
- 120ml buttermilk (½ cup)
For frying:
- 500ml vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine pickle juice and buttermilk.
- Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk to create the wet batter.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Dip each tender into the flour mixture, then into the wet batter, and back into the flour mixture for a double coating. Press the flour mixture onto the tenders to ensure a crispy texture.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces like Chick-Fil-A Sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders
✔️ Use Pickle Juice for Authentic Flavor – This is the key to Chick-Fil-A’s signature taste! The acidity in pickle juice helps break down the chicken for a tender texture.
✔️ Double Coating for Extra Crunch – Dipping the tenders in the flour mixture twice creates a crispy, restaurant-style crust.
✔️ Fry in Small Batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making the tenders greasy instead of crispy. Fry in batches for the best results.
✔️ Use a Wire Rack Instead of Paper Towels – Placing fried chicken on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy and helps it stay crispy.
✔️ Make it Spicy! – Add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of hot sauce to the wet batter for a spicier version.
✔️ Oven-Baked Option – Want a healthier version? Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil to achieve a crispy texture.
Best Dipping Sauces for Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders
- Chick-Fil-A Sauce – A creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce made with mayo, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce.
- Honey Mustard – A perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Ranch Dressing – A classic creamy dip that pairs well with crispy chicken.
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky and sweet, a great contrast to the crispy tenders.
- Buffalo Sauce – A spicy, tangy kick for those who love heat!
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