Crispy Chick-Fil-A Style Chicken Tenders Recipe You’ll Want Daily

Crispy, golden Chick-fil-A style chicken tenders have become a comfort food sensation that sparks instant cravings for many hungry souls.

Southern-inspired culinary magic crafts ordinary poultry into a delectable masterpiece of crunch and flavor.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, rich taste profiles that elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Homemade versions allow complete control over seasoning and quality, ensuring each bite meets your exact preferences.

Tender, juicy meat encased in a perfectly seasoned coating creates a mouthwatering experience that rivals any restaurant version.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike have attempted to recreate this iconic dish with passionate dedication.

The secret lies in understanding precise techniques and selecting quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-worthy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dips and Sides That Go Great with These Tenders

• Craft a Crispy Crunch Companion: Pair these golden chicken tenders with a refreshing coleslaw that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy-crispy coating.
• Elevate with Liquid Delight: Serve alongside an ice-cold sweet tea or a crisp craft beer that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and complements its bold flavor profile.
• Dip into Flavor Paradise: Create a homemade honey mustard or buttermilk ranch dipping sauce to enhance the chicken's southern-inspired taste, adding an extra layer of creamy excitement to each bite.
• Balance with Fresh Sides: Pair with quick pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between crispy chicken bites.

Spices and Sauces to Try with the Base Recipe

• Spicy Sensation: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery kick that brings intense heat to the chicken tenders.
• Herb Garden Crunch: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the flour coating to create a fragrant and herbaceous version of the classic recipe.
• Buttermilk Blast: Replace regular milk with buttermilk in the egg mixture for a tangier, more tender chicken texture that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make these crispy tenders accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Why Chick-Fil-A Style Chicken Tenders Are a Copycat Favorite

• Pickle Juice Magic: Marinating chicken in pickle juice infuses incredible tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat, creating a unique taste profile that sets these tenders apart from ordinary recipes.
• Crispy Coating Perfection: The flour mixture with sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that delivers restaurant-quality texture and a delightful blend of spices in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Comfort Food: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal that can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Restaurant-Style Homemade Delight: By using basic cooking techniques and pantry staples, you can recreate the beloved Chick-Fil-A chicken tender experience right in your own kitchen, saving money and enjoying fresh, hot tenders on demand.

What You Need for Crispy, Juicy Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, high-quality tenders that ensure tender and juicy meat.
• Pickle Juice: Classic Chick-Fil-A brine that adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize chicken.

• Flour, Sugar, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Dry mix creates crispy, flavorful golden-brown exterior with perfect seasoning blend.
• Milk, Egg: Wet mixture helps dry ingredients adhere and creates extra crunch.

• Peanut Oil or Canola Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke point perfect for deep frying, providing crisp texture without overpowering chicken flavor.

How to Make These Tenders at Home Easily

Step 1: Prepare Pickle Juice Marinade

Gather chicken tenders and pickle juice in a medium bowl. Submerge chicken completely in juice, cover, and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Create Wet Coating

• Milk
• Egg

Pour wet mixture over marinated chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Mix Seasoned Flour Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Seal and shake bag to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Drain excess milk mixture from chicken. Transfer chicken pieces into seasoned flour bag. Seal and shake vigorously to create a complete, even coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour peanut or canola oil into a large skillet or deep fryer. Heat to medium temperature for optimal frying conditions.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Tenders

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-5 minutes per side.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Remove fried chicken tenders and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb additional oil.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot chicken tenders immediately. Serve with preferred dipping sauces for a delicious homemade Chick-Fil-A style meal.

Cooking Tips for the Best Crunch and Flavor

• Pickle Juice Magic: Marinate chicken in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes to infuse incredible tangy flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Shake and Coat Technique: Use a sealed ziplock bag to evenly coat chicken with seasoned flour, ensuring maximum crispiness and even coverage.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the coating or undercooking the chicken.
• Batch Frying Wisdom: Avoid overcrowding the pan to guarantee crispy, evenly cooked chicken tenders with a crunchy exterior.
• Drain and Rest Tip: Place freshly fried tenders on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping the coating crisp and preventing sogginess.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftover Tenders

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in a single layer to maintain crispiness, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp, turning once halfway.
• Microwave Caution: While quick, microwaving can make chicken soggy. If using, cover with a paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out the meat.

Chick-Fil-A Style Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chick-fil-A style chicken tenders bring Southern comfort to your kitchen with crispy, golden perfection. Homemade goodness meets restaurant-quality breading, promising a delightful meal that satisfies crispy chicken cravings in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless chicken tenders

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) dill pickle juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) peanut oil or canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken tenders in pickle juice within a container, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the poultry to absorb flavors through marination in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for enhanced taste profile.
2. Discard the pickle juice marinade after removing chicken from refrigeration.
3. Whisk egg and milk together in a separate vessel, creating a smooth liquid coating mixture.
4. Completely submerge each chicken tender in the milk-egg blend, guaranteeing thorough coverage.
5. Craft seasoned flour mixture by combining flour, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper within a robust resealable plastic bag.
6. Gently shake the sealed bag to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the flour mixture.
7. Carefully transfer milk-coated chicken tenders into the seasoned flour bag, ensuring each piece receives comprehensive coating through gentle manipulation.
8. Heat selected cooking oil (peanut or canola) in a heavy-bottomed skillet, maintaining medium temperature for optimal frying conditions.
9. Strategically place chicken tenders into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain consistent cooking temperature and crispy exterior.
10. Fry each tender approximately 3-4 minutes per side, rotating when achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
11. Extract fried tenders and position on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and preserve crispiness.
12. Present immediately alongside preferred dipping sauces for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Quick pickle juice bath infuses the chicken with tangy, zesty flavor that mimics Chick-Fil-A’s signature taste.
• Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the overall chicken experience.
• Coating technique using seasoned flour mixture creates a crispy, well-seasoned exterior that locks in moisture.
• Peanut or canola oil ensures a perfect golden-brown crunch and authentic fast-food style texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness on each tender.
• Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the chicken extra crispy before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg