Craving Chick-Fil-A but don’t want to leave the house? These homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders are everything you love about the original: tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a golden, perfectly seasoned crispy coating. They’re marinated in a tangy buttermilk brine for unbeatable flavor and fried to perfection.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, meal prepping for the week, or just looking to recreate your fast food favorite at home, this copycat recipe delivers the real deal—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.
???? Ingredients (Makes about 12 tenders)
For the marinade:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 2–3 cups)
???????? Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix buttermilk, pickle juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for best flavor). - Prepare the Breading
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. - Bread the Tenders
Remove chicken from the marinade (shake off excess), dredge in flour mixture, press to coat well. For extra crunch, dip again in the marinade, then in the flour a second time. - Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). - Fry the Chicken
Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan. - Drain & Serve
Transfer tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
???? Nutrition (Per 2 tenders, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
???? Tips & Tricks
- Crispier Tenders: Double-dip in flour for extra crunch.
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- No Buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with waffle fries and a side of homemade honey mustard or Chick-Fil-A sauce.
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