Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders Recipe

Have you ever craved those crispy, golden Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders? That satisfying crunch followed by juicy, tender chicken—what if you could enjoy that at home? You’re not alone. Many people have tried to replicate that irresistible taste, and with a few easy steps and some simple ingredients, you can bring that experience into your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll break down the process of making perfect Chick-Fil-A-style chicken tenders from the comfort of your own home. From marinating and breading to frying and serving, we’ll walk you through each step so you can enjoy the crispy, flavorful tenders you love.

What Makes Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders So Special?

Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders are iconic for a reason. They’re tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside. The magic behind their unique taste and texture comes down to a few key factors:

1. The Marinade – Chick-Fil-A uses pickle juice as a marinade. This not only helps to tenderize the chicken but also infuses it with a subtle tang that enhances the flavor.
2. The Breading – The chicken tenders are coated in a special flour mixture that gives them that signature crispiness. The seasoning blend is simple but incredibly effective.
3. Frying to Perfection – The tenders are deep-fried in peanut oil, which gives them that golden crispiness while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Recreating these at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it possible to enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. Plus, making them yourself means you can enjoy these tenders any time you want.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders

The first step to recreating Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders at home is gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients for the Marinade

• Chicken Tenders: You’ll need fresh, skinless chicken tenders. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer.
• Pickle Juice: This is the secret ingredient that helps tenderize the chicken while adding a distinct flavor. If you don’t have pickle juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a rich flavor. It’s also key in the breading process, helping the flour stick to the chicken.

Ingredients for the Breading

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crispy coating.
• Powdered Sugar: This adds a slight sweetness to balance the flavors and enhances the crispy texture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These give the chicken its delicious flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps to create an extra crispy coating when frying.

For Frying

• Peanut Oil: This oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying. It gives the chicken tenders a nice crisp without burning. If you prefer, you can also use vegetable oil or canola oil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken tenders in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate them overnight in the fridge. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

While your chicken is marinating, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, place the buttermilk. For the dry ingredients, mix:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure an even coating on the chicken tenders.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, dip each tender into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it in the flour mixture a second time.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook each tender for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Drain and Serve

After frying, place the chicken tenders on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Chick-Fil-A’s signature Chick-fil-A Sauce or BBQ sauce.

Tips for the Crispiest Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders

While the steps above will give you a great start, here are a few extra tips to ensure your chicken tenders are extra crispy:

• Double Breading: Double dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture will give you an even thicker, crispier coating.
• Fry at the Right Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent 350°F. If the temperature is too low, your chicken tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the chicken in batches ensures that each tender cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.

Nutrition Information for Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	18g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	2g
Sodium	600mg

Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders

Can I Make Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders Without Pickle Juice?

If you don’t have pickle juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. However, the pickle juice adds a distinctive tangy flavor that’s hard to replicate.

How Do I Make Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders Spicy?

To spice things up, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture. This will give your tenders a bit of heat while still keeping that crispy texture.

Can I Bake the Chicken Tenders Instead of Frying Them?

Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake your tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture might not be as crispy as frying, they’ll still be delicious.

Conclusion

Recreating Chick-Fil-A’s famous chicken tenders at home is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. With the right ingredients, technique, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy crispy, juicy tenders any time you like. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to suit your preferences, making them even more special.