Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of tangy, tender, and crispy flavors. Marinated in a brine of pickle juice and buttermilk, these tenders are fried to perfection and served alongside crispy fried pickle chips. A drizzle of spicy hot honey adds a sweet and spicy contrast, making this dish a perfect choice for Southern gatherings or comforting meals.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

½ cup spicy dill pickle juice (from a 24-oz jar)
1 large egg
1 cup whole buttermilk

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken breast tenders
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons black pepper (plus more for serving)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Peanut or vegetable oil for frying

For the Pickles:

1 cup spicy dill pickle chips
½ cup buttermilk (remaining from marinade)

For Garnish:

Honey (for drizzling)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pickle juice, egg, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add chicken tenders to the marinade, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Heat the Oil:
- Pour peanut or vegetable oil into a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1½ inches.
- Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (approximately 10 minutes).
Coat the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if desired), and 3 tablespoons of the marinade.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each tender in the flour mixture, patting to coat evenly. Shake off excess flour and place on a plate.
Fry the Chicken:
- Working in batches, fry breaded chicken tenders in hot oil, turning occasionally, for 4–6 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let the oil return to 350°F between batches.
Fry the Pickles:
- Combine pickle chips and the remaining buttermilk in a bowl.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pickles to the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Fry the pickles in hot oil until golden brown (about 2 minutes) and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Arrange fried chicken tenders and pickle chips on a platter.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and drizzle with honey. Serve with extra pickle chips if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~25 g
Carbohydrates: ~22 g
Fat: ~18 g
Saturated Fat: ~5 g
Cholesterol: ~100 mg
Sodium: ~600 mg

Enjoy the irresistible combination of tangy, crispy chicken tenders and sweet-spicy flavors! Perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime comfort food is on the menu.

Exploring the Culinary Delight of Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders offer a flavorful and textural experience that combines tangy, crispy, and spicy elements into one harmonious dish. This dish is not just about fried chicken; it’s about elevating a classic comfort food into something truly unique by introducing the bold and unexpected flavor of pickle brine. With a tantalizing balance of salty, sour, and sweet, it’s no wonder this recipe is becoming a staple at Southern gatherings and comfort food feasts. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a standout choice for your dining table.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

The heart of this recipe lies in the marinade. Using pickle juice as a brining agent is a clever twist that infuses the chicken tenders with a tangy, slightly acidic flavor while ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender. The natural acidity of pickle juice works to break down proteins in the chicken, resulting in a texture that is succulent and full of flavor.

The addition of buttermilk to the marinade is another masterstroke. Buttermilk not only adds a creamy richness to the brine but also helps the flour coating adhere more effectively during frying. This ensures every bite delivers the ideal combination of crispy coating and tender meat.

What makes this dish even more enticing is its layers of flavor. Seasoned flour with hints of black pepper, cayenne, and seasoned salt adds spice and depth, while the spicy hot honey drizzle at the end creates a delightful sweet-and-spicy contrast that leaves a lasting impression.

Fried Pickle Chips: The Perfect Sidekick

No dish is complete without a well-paired side, and fried pickle chips are the perfect accompaniment to these chicken tenders. They echo the tangy brine flavor of the chicken while offering a crispy crunch that complements the tenders beautifully. Frying the pickle chips also introduces a new texture and elevates the pickle itself into a bite-sized indulgence.

The process of coating and frying the pickle chips ensures that they stay crisp on the outside while maintaining their juicy, tangy center. The interplay of hot, crispy coating and the cool, tangy flavor of the pickle is pure culinary magic.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, preparing a game-day feast, or simply craving comfort food on a quiet evening, this dish fits the bill.

For larger gatherings, you can prepare the tenders in advance, frying them in batches and keeping them warm in the oven. Pairing them with a selection of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, allows guests to customize their experience.

This dish also transitions well into a family dinner setting. Serve it alongside classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal. The fried pickle chips can double as an appetizer, keeping everyone snacking happily while the main course is prepared.

The Role of Hot Honey

One of the standout features of this recipe is the drizzle of spicy hot honey. This simple garnish transforms the dish into a sweet-and-spicy masterpiece. The honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy and salty notes from the chicken and pickles, while the added heat from spices creates a lingering warmth on the palate.

Hot honey is a versatile condiment that you can easily adapt to your own taste. Adjusting the level of heat allows you to cater to guests who prefer a milder experience or crank up the spice for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Culinary Tips for Success

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve the best results:

Brining Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes is essential for maximum flavor absorption. For the best results, aim for the full 4 hours.
Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 350°F is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil, leading to a greasy texture.
Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry in small batches and let the oil return to the correct temperature between batches.
Resting the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain excess oil and keeps the coating crispy.
Serving Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, serve the chicken and fried pickle chips immediately after frying. If necessary, keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F.

Why Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders Stand Out

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that celebrates bold flavors and comforting textures. It embodies the spirit of Southern cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into dishes that bring people together. The use of pickle juice and buttermilk as a marinade is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of home cooks who know how to maximize flavor.

Moreover, the combination of tangy chicken, crispy fried pickles, and spicy-sweet honey makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a sensory adventure that balances taste, texture, and aroma in every bite.

Conclusion

Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are a dish that captures the essence of comfort food while offering a unique twist. The tangy marinade, crispy coating, and sweet-spicy garnish come together to create a memorable culinary experience. Whether you’re serving this dish at a lively gathering or enjoying it as a solo indulgence, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

By incorporating fried pickle chips and a drizzle of hot honey, this recipe becomes more than just another fried chicken dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and creative cooking. Give it a try, and you’ll discover why it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders