Crispy fried tenders with a tangy brine
Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders
Crispy fried tenders with a tangy brine
Crispy chicken tenders brined in pickle juice for a game-day or family-dinner recipe that feels familiar but especially flavorful.
20m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Pickle-brined chicken tenders work because the brine makes the chicken juicier and gives the breading more character. They hit the comfort-food target without requiring a huge fried chicken production.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken tenders in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Pat them dry and bread them with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- 3
Fry until golden and cooked through.
- 4
Drain briefly on a rack or paper towels.
- 5
Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
BreadcrumbsPanko
Panko gives a crisper, lighter coating
Pickle juiceButtermilk
Buttermilk works too but changes the flavor profile slightly
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not crowd the oil or the tenders will lose crispness.
A wire rack is better than paper towels if you want the coating to stay crisper longer.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein29g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat23g
Fiber1g
Sugar2g
Sodium690mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake them?
- Yes, though frying gives the best color and texture.
- What dipping sauce works best?
- Ranch, honey mustard, and comeback-style sauces all work very well.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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