chick fil a chicken tender recipe
The Best chick fil a chicken tender recipe
I’ve been making this Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders recipe for years, and I’ll be honest—it’s one of those simple things that makes life a little easier when you’re tired but still want something delicious. I love how they’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and just the right amount of seasoning—nothing too heavy, nothing too bland. My kids eat them every week, and honestly, they’re the kind of dish that feels like a treat but isn’t. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the way they hold up when you serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple salad. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend family gathering, or even just a lazy Sunday when you don’t want to fuss with complicated recipes.
What I really appreciate about this recipe is how adaptable it is. We’ve tweaked it a few times—sometimes we add a little extra paprika for extra flavor, other times we skip the breadcrumbs if we’re watching what we eat, but it still comes out just as good. My kids love how they’re easy to pick up and eat, and honestly, they don’t even taste like they’re being healthy—just like the real thing. It’s that kind of comfort food that feels indulgent but isn’t, which is why it’s always a hit. Plus, there’s something satisfying about making something that’s almost exactly like the restaurant version, but way cheaper and way more customizable. And honestly? The health benefits aren’t bad either—it’s just a little less processed than store-bought tenders, and you can control the portion sizes. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t take up too much space in the pantry but still makes a big difference in the meals you eat.
Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tenders
A crispy, golden-brown version of Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken tenders, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2 In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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3 In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard.
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4 Dip each chicken tender in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Place on the baking sheet. Pour 1 tbsp oil into a separate shallow dish and dip each tender into the oil, coating evenly. Place tenders back on the baking sheet.
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5 Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6 Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with sauce on the side.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Paper towels
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tenders Works
This Chick-fil-A-style chicken tender recipe is a lifesaver for any quick meal or family get-together because it’s simple enough to make ahead and still tastes just as good as the restaurant version. Whether you’re feeding kids who demand crispy bites or hosting a casual dinner, these tenders are foolproof—they cook fast, stay moist, and never disappoint. Plus, they’re perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights when you need a crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tenders
What is the secret ingredient in Chick-fil-A’s chicken tenders that makes them so crispy?
Chick-fil-A’s signature crispiness comes from a combination of double-frying—first in hot oil to lightly brown the tenders, then in a second round of hotter oil for maximum crispiness. Additionally, their recipe includes a special seasoning blend with a touch of buttermilk (for tenderness) and a proprietary crispy coating that includes ingredients like cornstarch, flour, and spices. The exact blend is kept secret, but the double-frying method is widely replicated in homemade versions.
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Why does Chick-fil-A’s chicken tender recipe include buttermilk?
Buttermilk is used in Chick-fil-A’s recipe to tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, which helps create a moist, juicy texture rather than a dry one. It also enhances the flavor and adds a slight tanginess. The buttermilk marinade is typically applied before frying, allowing the chicken to absorb moisture and develop a lighter, more tender bite.
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Can I make Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders at home without using their exact recipe?
Yes! While Chick-fil-A’s recipe is proprietary, you can closely replicate the texture and crispiness with these key adjustments: – Double-fry the chicken tenders (first at 325°F/160°C for 5–7 mins, then at 375°F/190°C for 3–5 mins). – Use cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and flour in the coating for extra crispiness. – Marinate in buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute (like plain yogurt + a splash of milk) for 30+ minutes. – Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of garlic powder for a similar flavor profile. – Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
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How long does it take to make Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders from scratch?
The total time varies, but here’s a rough breakdown for a homemade batch (serving ~4–6 people): – Prep time (marinating & coating): 20–30 minutes (buttermilk marinade can be made ahead). – Frying time: 10–15 minutes (double-frying). – Resting & serving: 5 minutes. Total active time: ~35–45 minutes (with marinating included). If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating and coat the chicken directly before frying, but the texture will be slightly less tender.
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What’s the best oil to use for frying Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders to keep them crispy?
For the crispiest, most authentic texture, use peanut oil (Chick-fil-A’s preferred oil) or a high-smoke-point vegetable oil blend like: – Peanut oil (high smoke point, neutral flavor, great for deep frying). – Canola oil (affordable and works well, though slightly less crispy than peanut). – Avocado oil (nutty flavor, higher smoke point, but pricier). Avoid olive oil or butter—they burn easily and impart a flavor that’s not typical of Chick-fil-A’s tenders. Keep the oil temperature between 350–375°F (175–190°C) for optimal crispiness.
