Chick-fil-A chicken tenders are famous for a reason — they’re unbelievably tender, juicy, flavorful, and coated in a crisp golden breading that keeps people coming back again and again. The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and subtle tang in their signature seasoning makes these tenders unlike anything you can buy in a frozen bag. And the best part? You can recreate that same restaurant-quality flavor at home with just a few simple ingredients and a handful of easy steps.

This homemade Chick-fil-A chicken tenders recipe captures everything people love about the original: the buttery-soft texture, the perfectly seasoned coating, and the distinctive hint of sweetness that sets them apart from traditional chicken strips. The secret lies in the brine — a simple mixture that keeps the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful — and the seasoned flour that creates a crispy exterior without being heavy or greasy. Together, they transform basic chicken tenders into something truly special.

What makes this recipe even better is how quick and approachable it is. You don’t need complicated techniques, long marinating times, or deep-frying experience. A short soak, a simple breading method, and a few minutes of fry-time are all it takes to produce tenders that taste just like (or even better than!) Chick-fil-A’s. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, lunchboxes, or feeding a crowd. Kids love them, adults crave them, and leftovers — if there are any — reheat beautifully.

Whether you prefer your tenders classic, extra crispy, dipped in the famous Chick-fil-A sauce, or added to sandwiches and wraps, this copycat recipe gives you endless possibilities. With this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make perfectly seasoned, golden, juicy chicken tenders right in your own kitchen — faster, cheaper, and just as delicious as the real thing.

Why You’ll Love This Chick-fil-A Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’ve ever tasted Chick-fil-A’s iconic chicken tenders, you know they stand out from every other fast-food chain — tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and coated in a light, crisp breading that delivers flavor in every bite. This homemade version recreates that unforgettable taste at a fraction of the cost while giving you complete control over the ingredients, seasoning level, and cooking method.

What really makes these tenders special is the unique balance of sweetness and saltiness that Chick-fil-A is famous for. The quick brine tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, while the seasoned flour coating gives you a golden-crisp finish without the greasiness of deep-fried fast food. Even more impressive, these tenders cook in just minutes, making them perfect for fast weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding hungry kids after school.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can fry them for the classic Chick-fil-A experience, air-fry them for a lighter version, or bake them in the oven with fantastic results. Pair them with classic Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies adults and kids alike.

If you love restaurant-style recipes, this one will become a staple in your home. It’s simple, reliable, customizable, and delivers consistent results every single time.

Ingredients & Best Tips for Perfect Results

Main Ingredients

• Chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips

• Pickle juice or buttermilk (for brining)

• Eggs

• Milk

• Flour

• Powdered sugar (the Chick-fil-A secret!)

• Salt & pepper

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Oil for frying

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Pickle juice or buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and gives it the signature Chick-fil-A flavor.

• Powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness without making the chicken sugary.

• Paprika + garlic + onion powder create the classic Chick-fil-A seasoning profile.

• Egg + milk help the flour adhere, giving the tenders a crispy coating.

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip the brine — even 20 minutes makes a massive difference.

• Let breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.

• Fry in batches; overcrowding reduces crispiness.

• For extra crunch, double-dip in the flour mixture.

• Always use a thermometer — ideal frying temp is 350°F (175°C).

How to Make Chick-fil-A Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Place chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with pickle juice or buttermilk. Let them soak for 20 minutes to 2 hours. This step keeps them incredibly tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a large bowl, mix:

• Flour

• Powdered sugar

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

This creates the signature Chick-fil-A coating.

Step 3: Make the Egg Wash

Whisk together:

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup milk

This helps the breading stick.

Step 4: Bread the Tenders

1. Remove chicken from the brine and pat lightly.

2. Dip each piece into the egg wash.

3. Coat generously in seasoned flour.

4. Let rest on a tray to help the coating adhere.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Drain & Serve

Place cooked tenders on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Tenders

1. Spray tenders lightly with oil.

2. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
   Result: Crispy outside, juicy inside — healthier and fast.

Oven-Baked Tenders

1. Place tenders on a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Brush lightly with oil or cooking spray.

3. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 18–20 minutes.

A great option for batch cooking.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour.

• Extra Crispy: Double-dip in egg wash + flour.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

• Kid-Friendly: Skip spices and use only salt and pepper.

• Parmesan Crust: Add grated parmesan to the flour mixture.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store cooked tenders for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

Reheating

• Air fryer: Best option — 3–4 minutes at 380°F

• Oven: 10 minutes at 350°F

• Microwave: Only if necessary (may soften coating)

What to Serve With Chick-fil-A Tenders

Pair these tenders with:

• Fries or waffle fries

• Mac and cheese

• Homemade Chick-fil-A sauce

• Ranch or honey mustard

• Cole slaw

• Green beans

• Fresh salad

• Biscuits or dinner rolls

Perfect for family meals, parties, or meal prep.

Final Thoughts 

Chick-fil-A chicken tenders are famous for their flavor, tenderness, and crisp coating — and this homemade version delivers all of that and more. With just a few simple ingredients and a surprisingly quick cooking process, you can create tenders that taste every bit as delicious as the restaurant version. The brine keeps the chicken incredibly juicy, the breading adds flavor and crunch, and the optional air fryer or oven alternatives make this recipe accessible to everyone.

This recipe is also perfect for families and busy weeknights. Kids love the mild, slightly sweet flavor, while adults appreciate the quality and freshness of homemade tenders. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, adding them to wraps or salads, or preparing them for a party platter, these tenders are always a hit.

Once you try this copycat version, you’ll realize just how easy and satisfying it is to recreate restaurant favorites at home. It’s cheaper, healthier, and more customizable — and it’s guaranteed to become a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.