Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
574 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe begins by marinating the chicken tenders in dill pickle juice for at least 30 minutes to an hour, which helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tanginess. After marinating, the chicken is dipped in a milk and egg wash, then coated in a seasoned flour mixture containing paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and confectioners' sugar for a subtle sweetness and balanced spice level.
The chicken pieces are fried in peanut or canola oil over medium heat until the coating is crisp and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Draining on paper towels removes excess oil to keep the tenders crispy rather than greasy. The exterior is crunchy, while the interior remains tender and juicy.
These chicken tenders work well served with dipping sauces or alongside fries or a salad. The recipe makes enough to serve several people and can be adapted by using chicken breasts sliced into strips as an alternative to tenders. The marinade and seasoning define the characteristic flavor reminiscent of the well-known fast-food version.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken tenders boneless
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp confectioners' sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup peanut oil or canola oil; for frying
Instructions
- Combine the chicken and pickle juice in a medium size bowl. Cover and refrigerate to marinate the chicken in the pickle juice for 30-60 minutes (or overnight).
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and drain off the pickle juice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Then pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Then in a large ziplock bag, add the flour, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to combine all the ingredients.
- Drain the excess milk mixture off the chicken and place the chicken in the ziplock bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and then shake to thoroughly coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
- Then heat the peanut oil or canola oil in a large pan over medium heat or in a fryer.
- Working in batches, add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until the chicken is golden brown and crispy (approximately 3-5 minutes). Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
- Serve immediately while warm with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- Marinate chicken tenders in dill pickle juice for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute chicken breasts sliced into strips if tenders are not available.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 574 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 574kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 55g | 110% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 193mg | 64% |
| Sodium | 1772mg | 74% |
| Potassium | 1018mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 891IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.