Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, juicy, and flavorful snack. The chicken is soaked in a tangy pickle brine, which tenderizes the meat while infusing it with a subtle, zesty flavor. Once coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried or baked to golden perfection, these tenders boast an irresistible crunch and a savory kick that keeps you coming back for more. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.
I first made Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders after having leftover pickle juice and a craving for something crispy. The brine worked wonders, making the chicken incredibly tender and adding a unique tangy flavor that stood out from typical tenders. It was an instant hit, and now I always save my pickle brine for this recipe.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can make it spicy by adding cayenne or chili powder to the coating or go for a Southern-style version with buttermilk in the brine. These tenders are perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or even meal prep. Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are a deliciously creative way to elevate a classic comfort food favorite.
Perfect for:
- Casual gatherings
- Game day snacks
- Family dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Fried chicken lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders will become your new go-to dish:
- Juicy and Tender: The pickle brine ensures the chicken stays moist and tender on the inside.
- Crispy Exterior: The seasoned breading fries up perfectly golden and crunchy.
- Tangy Flavor: The pickle brine infuses the chicken with a delightful tang that complements the savory flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Versatile: Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a snack, these tenders fit any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the chicken the night before for an easy dinner the next day.
- Kid-Friendly: A crispy treat that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable Breading: You can adjust the seasoning in the breading to match your taste preferences.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safe and delicious alternative.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including marination time)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Marination Time: 1.5 hours
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko works great)
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Pickle Juice: The brine infuses the chicken with flavor and helps it stay juicy while cooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light and crispy crust that adds texture to the tenders.
- Buttermilk: Provides a rich and tangy flavor while helping the breading stick to the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine Brine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the pickle juice and buttermilk.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the brine mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours.
Prepare the Breading:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the brine and dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, coating it evenly.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry Tenders: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain: Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken tenders with fresh dill and lemon wedges, if desired. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders:
- With Fries: Serve alongside crispy French fries for a classic combo.
- As a Sandwich: Place the tenders on a soft bun with lettuce, pickles, and mayo.
- With Dipping Sauces: Try honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
- As a Snack: Perfect for a party platter or game day spread.
- With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
- In Tacos: Use the tenders as a filling for crunchy taco shells, topped with coleslaw.
- With Mac and Cheese: Serve alongside creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent treat.
- With Gravy: Add a side of creamy gravy for dipping.
- For Meal Prep: These chicken tenders make an excellent meal prep option for the week.
- As an Appetizer: Serve small pieces as bite-sized appetizers for guests.
Additional Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra juiciness and flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of tenders.
- Pickle Juice Variations: Experiment with different types of pickle juice, such as dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy pickle brine, for a unique twist.
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the pickle brine for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness: Mixing pickle brine with buttermilk can tenderize the chicken even more, creating a super soft texture.
- Season the Breading: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to your breading mix for a flavorful crunch.
- Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an extra-crunchy coating, dip the chicken in the breading twice, ensuring it holds onto the breading.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Ensure your oil is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C – 190°C) for the perfect crisp without overcooking the chicken.
- Serve with Pickle Dipping Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, pickle juice, and a dash of mustard for a creamy dipping sauce that complements the chicken.
- Air Frying Option: If you prefer a healthier option, cook the brined chicken tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Rest After Cooking: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after frying to ensure the juices are sealed in.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the pickle brine for a spicy kick.
- Air-Fried Tenders: For a healthier option, air-fry the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- BBQ Chicken Tenders: After frying, toss the tenders in your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Honey-Sriracha Glazed Tenders: Drizzle a mixture of honey and sriracha sauce over the fried tenders for a sweet-spicy flavor.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the chicken tenders.
- Meat Thermometer: To check for the correct internal temperature.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken tenders while frying.
- Paper Towels: For draining the fried tenders.
- Shallow Bowls: For setting up the breading station.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed before marinating and frying. - How long do the chicken tenders last in the fridge?
Store the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the chicken tenders?
Yes, freeze the breaded and uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen. - Can I use regular chicken breasts?
Yes, cut them into strips to make your own tenders. - How do I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?
Double coat the tenders with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. - Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and fry it the next day. - What should I serve with the chicken tenders?
Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple side salad. - How can I make these spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the brine or breading for an extra kick. - Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. - What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken tenders?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
These Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of tangy, juicy, and crispy. Marinated in pickle juice, these chicken tenders are packed with flavor and incredibly tender, creating a unique twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or as a fun snack, these chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The magic of this recipe lies in the brine. The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a subtle tangy flavor. After marinating, the tenders are coated in a well-seasoned breadcrumb or flour mixture and fried or baked until golden brown and crisp. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra layer of deliciousness.
I’d love to see your Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how your crunchy, flavorful tenders turned out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun sauces or seasoning tweaks that made your tenders uniquely yours!