Craving that delicious Chick-fil-A taste but don't want to brave the drive-thru line? Then you've come to the right place! This homemade Chick-fil-A chicken tenders recipe delivers that signature crispy, juicy flavor you love, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It's a delicious and surprisingly easy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this best recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 6 chicken tenders.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
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For the Breadcrumbs:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches in a deep skillet or pot)
Instructions:
This easy recipe is a breeze to follow!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place 1/2 cup of flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, place the panko bread crumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of bread crumbs sizzles immediately. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 5: Drain and Serve:
Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – honey mustard is a classic choice!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tenders:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tenders. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For extra crispy tenders, let the breaded chicken rest for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before frying.
Variations:
- Spicy Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the breading mixture.
- Herb-infused Tenders: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the breading for an extra layer of flavor.
- Parmesan-crusted Tenders: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko bread crumbs for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information (per tender, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: Approximately 25g Fat: Approximately 15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This quick dinner idea is perfect for a satisfying and delicious meal, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef. Enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A chicken tenders! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.