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–+ servings
Melany

Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe for a Perfect Meal!

Craving Chick-Fil-A on a Sunday? This copycat recipe brings those irresistible chicken tenders to your kitchen—juicy, crispy, and packed with that signature flavor! A quick pickle brine and seasoned flour coating give you that authentic crunch and bold taste you love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day bites, or just satisfying a fast food craving—no drive-thru needed.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb boneless chicken tenders1 cup dill pickle juice 1 large egg 1 cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup peanut oil or canola oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Marinate for Flavor: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Egg Wash Prep: Drain the pickle juice from the chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add the chicken to this mixture and let it sit while preparing the breading.
  3. Make the Breading: In a large ziplock bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Seal the bag and shake to mix thoroughly.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove each tender from the egg mixture and place it into the flour bag. Seal and shake until all tenders are evenly coated.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chicken tenders in batches. Fry each batch for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  6. Drain and Serve: Transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or Chick-Fil-A sauce.

Notes

  • Brining Time: The longer the chicken marinates in the pickle juice, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
  • Oil Tip: Peanut oil is preferred for a more authentic flavor, but canola oil works well too.
  • Spice Adjustment: Reduce or increase the cayenne to control the heat level.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve with waffle fries, a side salad, or in a sandwich with a buttered bun and pickles.

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