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Chick-fil-A Chicken Tenders (Copycat Recipe)

Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken tenders that taste just like Chick-fil-A! Made with a simple brine, a lightly sweet seasoned coating, and fried (or air-fried) to golden perfection. A family favorite ready in minutes.
Print Recipe
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup pickle juice or buttermilk for brining
  • For the Egg Wash:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For the Breading:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • For Frying:
  • Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil

Method
 

  1. Place chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with pickle juice or buttermilk. Brine for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
  4. Remove chicken from the brine and pat lightly to remove excess liquid.
  5. Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Let breaded pieces rest for 5–10 minutes.
  6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
  8. Serve warm with Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
  9. Air Fryer Option:
  10. Spray breaded tenders lightly with oil. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  11. Oven Option:
  12. Place tenders on a parchment-lined tray, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 18–20 minutes.

Notes

• Brining is essential for juicy, tender chicken.
• Powdered sugar gives the authentic Chick-fil-A flavor.
• For extra crispy tenders, double-dip in flour mixture.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
• For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper to the flour.
• Tenders reheat best in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Approximate per serving: Protein 26g – Carbs 12g – Fat 12g

🔸 Recipe Times

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4