Crispy Chicken Tenders With Pickles (Printable)

Crunchy chicken tenders marinated in pickle brine for flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
02 - 1 cup dill pickle brine (from a jar of pickles)
03 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

→ Breading

04 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
05 - ½ cup cornstarch
06 - 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ To Fry

12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or non-dairy milk for dairy-free option)
14 - Vegetable oil, for frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine chicken tenders, pickle brine, and hot sauce (if using). Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
02 - Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
03 - In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
05 - Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick, crispy coating.
06 - Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate.
07 - Serve hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Juicy on the inside, extra crispy on the outside for maximum texture and taste.
  • Pickle brine tenderizes and seasons the chicken for outstanding flavor.
  • Customizable: try spicy or sweet brines, or opt for a dairy-free breading.
  • Simple pantry ingredients and quick prep time make this an easy go-to meal.
02 -
  • Thoroughly pat chicken dry after marinating to ensure the breading sticks and gets crispy.
  • Double dredge in flour for an extra-thick and crunchy crust.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
  • For a healthier alternative, bake the tenders on an oiled rack at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Go Back