Homemade Chicken Tenders

Simple and delicious, these chicken tenders are sure to please everyone you make them for! Easy to prepare, along with a quick cook time, these will become a weeknight staple in your household. Buttermilk is the key ingredient to keeping these super moist while still bringing that satisfying crunch and amazing flavor! I am an ultimate chicken tender fan, and this homemade version is some of the best I’ve ever had!

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Ingredients:

Wet Mixture:

1 lb. chicken tenderloins

1 tbsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, seasoned salt

1 large egg

Buttermilk (about 2 cups, or just enough to cover chicken)

1/3 cup pickle juice (optional)

Dry Mixture:

1 cup all-purpose Flour

1/2 cup corn starch

1 tbsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, seasoned salt

Dipping Sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 to 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tbsp whole grain mustard, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp horseradish, S&P to taste. We also added a little dried dill and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

Here’s How To Make It:

1. Allow chicken to marinate in buttermilk mixture (covered, in fridge) for at least one hour, or up to several hours.

2. Mix all ingredients for dipping sauce together and place in fridge.

3. Remove chicken from fridge and next, combine ingredients to prepare the dry mixture. Add a few drops of the buttermilk marinade to the dry mixture.

4. Individually, take a chicken tenderloin with one hand a lay in your flour mix. Using other hand, toss with flour to coat. Using your wet mix hand, dip back into buttermilk mixture entirely, and then return to the flour mix and toss with more flour mix. Set aside and repeat process until all chicken is battered.

5. Bring cooking oil (we used canola) slowly over medium to medium-high heat to around 350 degrees. Test oil for readiness with a little flour. Place 3-4 tenderloins at a time (depending on pan size, you don’t want the oil temp to drop too quickly) and cook for 3 minutes. Turn, and allow to cook for 3 more minutes.

6. Remove, and place on a wire rack to rest. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to bring some extra deliciousness. Repeat until all of your chicken is crispy golden brown and enjoy with dipping sauce!