Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Juicy, and Better Than the Drive-Thru!
Craving that iconic, juicy, and flavorful Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tenders taste at home? You're in luck! This easy homemade recipe captures everything you love — the tender, flavorful chicken, the perfectly seasoned crispy coating, and the secret ingredient (pickle juice!) that makes all the difference. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a meal that’s even better than the drive-thru!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Tongs
- Paper towels (for draining)
Ingredients
Meat:
- 2 lb boneless chicken tenders
Refrigerated:
- 1 large egg
Condiments:
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Oils & Vinegars:
- ¼ cup peanut oil or canola oil plus more for frying
Dairy:
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour pickle juice over them and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- In another bowl, mix flour, confectioner's sugar, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Remove tenders from the marinade (pat lightly dry if too wet).
- Dip each tender first into the milk-egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press flour onto chicken to coat well.
Fry the Tenders:
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite sauces — like honey mustard, Chick-fil-A sauce, or ranch!
Notes
🔁 Variations
Spicy Chick-Fil-A Style: Increase cayenne and add a dash of hot sauce to the milk-egg mixture. Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded tenders with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. 🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispy (avoid microwaving if possible). Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why pickle juice?
The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature tangy flavor Chick-fil-A is famous for! Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — bake breaded tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, but they won't be quite as crispy. What oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil is ideal for flavor and crispness (just like Chick-fil-A uses), but canola oil is a great alternative.
Spicy Chick-Fil-A Style: Increase cayenne and add a dash of hot sauce to the milk-egg mixture. Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded tenders with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. 🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispy (avoid microwaving if possible). Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why pickle juice?
The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature tangy flavor Chick-fil-A is famous for! Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — bake breaded tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, but they won't be quite as crispy. What oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil is ideal for flavor and crispness (just like Chick-fil-A uses), but canola oil is a great alternative.