Crispy Pickle Brine Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)

Crispy chicken tenders marinated in pickle brine for maximum flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 - 1 cup dill pickle brine
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, dill 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, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
05 - Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and 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.
07 - 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.
08 - Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Each bite is a delightful combination of crunchy and tangy - the perfect comfort food.
  • It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet it feels like a special treat.
02 -
  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry after marinating; excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
  • Adding panko breadcrumbs to your flour mixture makes for an even crunchier finish!
03 -
  • Letting the chicken marinate longer can enhance its tenderness and flavor.
  • A thermometer can help you achieve precise frying temperatures for perfect results.
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