recipe for chick fil a chicken tenders
The Best recipe for chick fil a chicken tenders
Oh man, I’ll be honest—there’s nothing quite like a batch of homemade chicken tenders that taste exactly like Chick-fil-A’s, but way healthier. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and my kids—especially my little one who’s picky—will eat it straight from the pan without a second thought. It’s that good. I love this recipe because it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but still feels special enough for a game day or a family dinner. My husband always says it’s the only thing that makes him forget he’s trying to eat right, and honestly, that’s the point. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor without all the extra grease or preservatives.
My family goes nuts for these. My kids—especially my 8-year-old who’s always complaining about food—will demand seconds, and my husband will eat a whole plate just to see if I’ll make them again. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t require fancy skills or a lot of time, but it still feels indulgent. Plus, I love that they’re lighter than store-bought tenders—less oil, more protein, and still just as satisfying. I’ve made these for school lunches, after-school snacks, and even for a little celebration here and there. It’s that kind of comfort food that doesn’t ruin your diet, and honestly, that’s why I keep coming back to it. There’s something about the crispy coating and the tender meat that makes every bite feel like a treat, even if it’s just for the family.
Chick-fil-A Style Homemade 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 breasts or tenders
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
👨🍳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 Cut chicken into 1-inch strips. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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3 Dredge each chicken strip in the cornstarch mixture, then coat with flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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4 For extra crispiness, place breadcrumbs in a food processor and pulse until fine. Coat the breaded chicken strips in panko.
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5 Place breaded chicken strips on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
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6 While chicken bakes, mix mayo, ketchup, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder in a bowl to make the sauce.
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7 Serve warm chicken tenders with the homemade sauce on the side.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Food processor (optional)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Chick-fil-A Style Homemade Chicken Tenders Works
This recipe for homemade Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple enough to whip up in a hurry but still tastes just like the restaurant version—no fuss, just great flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings because it’s easy to scale up, keeps well for leftovers, and kids and adults alike love the crispy, juicy texture. Plus, it’s a no-bake option that lets you focus on other tasks while the tenders cook up nicely, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Tenders
How do I make the perfect crispy coating for Chick-fil-A-style chicken tenders at home?
To achieve that signature crispy coating, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp paprika in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken tender in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Pan-fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
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What’s the best way to keep the chicken tenders juicy while ensuring they stay crispy?
For juicy tenders, brine the chicken pieces in 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar) mixed with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp lemon juice for 30 minutes before coating. Pat dry before frying, then cook in batches in hot oil (375°F/190°C) for 6–7 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
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