Copycat Chick-fil-A Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders featuring the signature pickle juice marinade that makes Chick-fil-A famous. The dill pickle brine tenderizes the meat while adding subtle tang, complemented by a perfectly seasoned flour coating with just a hint of sweetness from confectioner's sugar. The result is restaurant-quality chicken with a golden, crunchy exterior and incredibly moist interior. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or satisfying those fast-food cravings at home. This homemade version captures the beloved flavor profile that has made these tenders a cult favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine chicken and pickle juice in medium bowl
- 2
Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 30-60 minutes or overnight
- 3
Remove chicken from refrigerator and drain pickle juice
- 4
Whisk together milk and egg in small bowl
- 5
Pour milk mixture over chicken
- 6
Combine flour, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper in large ziplock bag
- 7
Seal bag and shake to combine ingredients
- 8
Drain excess milk mixture from chicken
- 9
Place chicken in ziplock bag with flour mixture
- 10
Seal bag and shake to thoroughly coat chicken pieces
- 11
Heat oil in large pan over medium heat or in fryer
- 12
Working in batches, add chicken to hot oil
- 13
Cook until golden brown and crispy for approximately 3-5 minutes
- 14
Transfer chicken to plate lined with paper towel
- 15
Serve immediately while warm with dipping sauces
Tips
Don't skip the pickle juice marinade - it's the secret to achieving that authentic Chick-fil-A flavor and tender texture.
Work in batches when frying to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy coating.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety while maintaining juiciness.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked tenders up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in 400F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Bread chicken up to 2 hours before frying and refrigerate.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy with honey mustard, ranch, or Chick-fil-A sauce.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining pickle juice before adding milk mixture to avoid overly wet coating.
Avoid overcrowding fryer to prevent temperature drop and soggy results.
Don't skip paper towel step to remove excess oil for optimal crispiness.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for crispier results, though texture won't match fried version.
What if I don't have pickle juice?
Substitute with buttermilk for marinating, though you'll miss the signature tangy flavor that makes these taste like Chick-fil-A.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 400F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness rather than microwaving.