Homemade Chick-Fil-A Style Chicken Tenders Recipe For Dinner

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders that capture the beloved Chick-fil-A style magic are about to become your new weekend staple.

These tender, juicy strips promise restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.

Restaurant fans know the irresistible appeal of perfectly seasoned chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and moist inside.

The secret blend of spices creates a coating that locks in incredible flavor with every single bite.

Southern-inspired cooking techniques ensure each tender emerges with that signature crisp texture we all adore.

Mastering this recipe means you’ll never need to hit the drive-thru again for that incredible chicken crunch.

Get ready to impress everyone with these mouthwatering homemade chicken tenders that rival the fast-food favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including marination)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 464 kcal

Servings: 5

Chick-Fil-A Style Chicken Tenders: Ingredient List

• Chicken Tenders: Select fresh, high-quality tenders for tender, juicy results.
• Pickle Juice: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat, choose a zesty brand.

• Milk, Egg: Creates a sticky base for flour to adhere, use whole milk for richer coating.
• Flour: Provides crispy exterior, all-purpose works best.
• Sugar: Helps achieve golden-brown color and subtle sweetness.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Delivers warm, complex spice profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor depth.

• Peanut Oil, Canola Oil: Ensures crisp, even cooking with high smoke point.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil for perfectly crunchy texture.

Tools to Fry or Bake Chicken Tenders

• Medium-sized bowl: For marinating chicken in pickle juice.
• Small bowl: To whisk milk and egg mixture.
• Large ziplock bag: Perfect for mixing flour and coating chicken.
• Large skillet or fryer: Essential for frying chicken to golden perfection.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from cooked tenders.
• Whisk: Blends milk and egg smoothly.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing chicken from hot oil.

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Tenders Made Simple

• Pickle Juice Bath

Soak chicken tenders in pickle juice for maximum flavor infusion, allowing the brine to tenderize and enhance the meat’s juiciness.

• Creamy Coating

Whisk together a milk and egg mixture to create a smooth, clingy base that helps breading stick perfectly to the chicken.

• Seasoned Flour Blend

Craft a zesty flour mixture with a secret combination of spices that will deliver a crispy, flavorful exterior.

• Dredging Magic

Gently tumble pickle-soaked chicken through the seasoned flour, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious, even coverage.

• Sizzling Fry

Heat oil to the perfect temperature and carefully lower chicken pieces into the golden pool, cooking until they transform into crispy, golden treasures.

• Drain and Serve

Let excess oil drip away on paper towels, then plate these irresistible tenders with your favorite dipping companion.

Tips for Crispier Chicken Tenders at Home

• Marinate chicken longer than 60 minutes for an extra tangy and tender result, transforming the meat's texture and flavor profile.
• Mix cornmeal or breadcrumbs with the flour mixture to create an even crunchier exterior that stays crisp longer after frying.
• Use a digital thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for perfect golden-brown chicken tenders without burning the breading.
• Bake the tenders in a preheated 400°F oven on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for a lighter version with less oil.
• Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even adding ranch seasoning mix to the flour coating for unique taste profiles.

Serve Chicken Tenders Like a Pro

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a large wooden board with various dipping sauces, fresh lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a stunning presentation.
• Burger Bliss: Nestle these golden tenders between soft brioche buns with a dollop of coleslaw, creating a mouthwatering sandwich that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
• Family Feast Companion: Pair the chicken tenders with classic southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, crispy waffle fries, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Tailgate Champion: Pack these tenders in a portable container for game day, picnics, or outdoor gatherings, ensuring a crowd-pleasing protein that stays crispy and delicious even after transport.

Store Chicken Tenders and Keep ‘Em Crispy

• Refrigerator Quick Stash: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep them in the coolest section of your refrigerator to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These homemade tenders can stay frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Crispy Reheat Method: Revive cold tenders in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This approach helps restore the original crunch and prevents sogginess that often happens with microwave reheating.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a double batch during your weekend cooking session. Separate tenders into portion-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the busy workweek.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy Chick-fil-a Style Chicken Tenders deliver Southern comfort with a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Homemade goodness makes you feel like a kitchen champion with restaurant-quality results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless chicken tenders
• 1 cup (240 ml) dill pickle juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsps cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) peanut oil or canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Marination: Submerge chicken tenders completely in pickle juice within a sealed container, refrigerating for 30 minutes to overnight to enhance flavor depth and tenderness.
2. Preparation: Whisk egg and milk together, creating a smooth liquid coating mixture for the chicken.
3. Seasoning: Combine flour, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper in a resealable plastic bag, shaking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Coating: Dip pickle juice-marinated chicken tenders into milk-egg blend, then transfer to seasoned flour bag, ensuring comprehensive coverage by gently manipulating each piece.
5. Frying: Heat peanut or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium temperature, carefully positioning chicken tenders without overcrowding the pan.
6. Cooking: Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal moisture and tenderness.
7. Finishing: Transfer crispy tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces for optimal flavor experience.

Notes

• Pickle Juice Tenderizing: Marinating chicken in pickle juice adds unique tangy flavor and helps break down proteins, creating incredibly juicy meat.
• Seasoning Balance: Mix flour seasonings thoroughly to ensure every bite delivers consistent, mouth-watering flavor across all chicken tenders.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium heat around 350°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking chicken.
• Draining Technique: Allow excess oil to drain completely on paper towels to preserve crispy coating and prevent greasy texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including marination)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 464
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg