McDonald’s Chicken Tenders Recipe: 2025 Easy & Tasty Guide

When it comes to fast-food favorites, few items have left as lasting an impression as mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe These golden-brown delights were once a menu staple, loved for their crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Even though they were discontinued, the craving hasn’t gone away, and many fans still miss them. The good news? You can recreate that same taste and texture at home with this McDonald’s chicken tenders recipe. Using simple ingredients like buttermilk, flour, and a blend of spices, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavor and crispiness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or just craving comfort food, this recipe will bring McDonald’s-style magic right into your kitchen without the drive-thru wait.

How to Make McDonald’s Chicken Tenders Recipe?

The secret to making mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe lies in the preparation process. First, chicken strips are marinated in seasoned buttermilk to tenderize the meat and lock in flavor. Then, they are coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried until golden brown. The result is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. With just a few steps, you’ll have the ultimate homemade McDonald’s chicken tenders that rival the fast-food version.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast strips (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by selecting fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry using paper towels. Moisture left on the chicken can prevent the coating from sticking, so drying is essential. Slice the chicken breasts into long, even strips about 1 inch thick. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook evenly and at the same speed. If you prefer smaller tenders, you can cut them into bite-sized nuggets—these will fry more quickly and become extra crispy.

2. Marinate in Buttermilk

In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk and season it with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk well until the spices are evenly distributed. Add the chicken strips into the mixture, ensuring every piece is fully submerged and coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and more tenderness, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. The buttermilk breaks down the protein fibers, making the meat soft and juicy while infusing it with seasoning—this is the secret to that mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe.

3. Set Up the Breading Station

While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading station. Place two shallow bowls on your counter:

• Bowl 1 (Dry mix): Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will create the crunchy outer coating.
• Bowl 2 (Wet mix): Beat two large eggs with two tablespoons of milk. This egg wash helps the flour stick to the chicken and gives it a golden-brown color when fried.
  

Organizing these ahead of time makes the breading process smooth and efficient. Place a clean plate at the end of the station to set your coated tenders before frying.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Roll each strip in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated, then dip it into the egg wash. Finally, dredge the chicken once more in the flour, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks firmly. This double-breading method is what gives the tenders their thick, crispy crust, just like McDonald’s. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared plate and allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes. This resting period helps the coating set, so it doesn’t fall off during frying.

5. Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, saucepan, or fryer until it reaches about 2–3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately without burning. Keeping the oil at the correct temperature is critical:

• If too cool, the tenders will absorb oil and turn greasy.
• If too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through.
  

6. Fry the Tenders

Carefully lower 3–4 chicken strips at a time into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding, which lowers the oil temperature. Fry each tender for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. They should become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C)—this ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

7. Drain and Rest

Once cooked, remove the tenders with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This drains any excess oil and keeps the coating crisp. Allow the chicken to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This short resting time locks in juices and makes the tenders easier to handle when dipping or serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving platter. Pair them with popular McDonald’s-style dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, sweet and sour, or barbecue. These sauces enhance the flavor and give you that authentic fast-food feel. Serve with sides such as French fries, onion rings, or coleslaw to complete the experience. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy for the best taste.

Tips for a Perfect McDonald’s Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes in buttermilk for tenderness.
• Use a double flour coating for extra crunch.
• Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F for the best fry.
• Drain tenders on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
• Serve hot and fresh for maximum crispiness.
  

What to Serve With

1. French Fries

No McDonald’s-inspired meal feels complete without a side of crispy French fries. The salty, crunchy texture of fries is the perfect contrast to the mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe juicy chicken. Together, they recreate the classic fast-food combo right at home. You can serve them with ketchup, mayo, or even the same dipping sauces as the chicken tenders for a consistent flavor profile. For a healthier twist, try oven-baked fries or air-fried potato wedges—they’ll still give you that golden crunch without extra oil.

2. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is one of the best sides to serve with mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe because it balances out the richness of the dish. Its creamy dressing, combined with crunchy cabbage and carrots, adds freshness and tanginess that cut through the heaviness of fried food. The cool, refreshing bite of coleslaw also brings variety in texture, making each mouthful more exciting. Whether you make it with mayo or a light vinegar-based dressing, it’s a refreshing companion to the mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with creamy gravy make this mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipefeel hearty and comforting. The soft, smooth potatoes complement the crispy exterior of the tenders beautifully. For an authentic Southern-style touch, you can serve garlic mashed potatoes or add a drizzle of brown gravy. This combination not only satisfies hunger but also creates the perfect comfort food pairing, especially for family dinners.

4. Garden Salad

If you prefer a lighter option, a fresh garden salad is a fantastic choice. A mix of crisp lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, topped with a light vinaigrette, provides freshness and mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe. The tangy dressing cuts through the richness of fried chicken, while the vegetables make the meal feel more balanced and nutritious. It’s the perfect side if you want to keep things light while still enjoying indulgent mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe.

5. Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings bring another layer of crunch to the meal. Their sweet onion flavor and golden-brown coating make them a delicious complement to mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe. They can even be dipped in the same sauces as the chicken, making them versatile and easy to serve. Whether homemade or store-bought, onion rings give your meal a fun, fast-food feast vibe that everyone will enjoy.

6. Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces are an absolute must when serving mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce enhance the flavor of the crispy mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe, while buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick. McDonald’s was known for offering a variety of sauces, and recreating that experience at home makes your tenders taste even closer to the original. You can serve multiple sauces in small bowls so everyone can enjoy their favorite flavor combinations.

Ingredients Substitutes

1. Buttermilk

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, there’s an easy homemade alternative. Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. The acid in the lemon or vinegar curdles the milk slightly, mimicking the tangy flavor and tenderizing properties of real buttermilk. This substitute works just as well for marinating chicken, helping to soften the meat while adding a subtle tang that enhances flavor.

2. Flour

All-purpose flour is a standard coating for fried chicken, but you can make it even crispier with alternatives. Crushed cornflakes create a crunchy, golden crust, while panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, airy crunch often used in Japanese fried dishes. Both options stick well to the chicken and give your mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe an extra-crispy texture that many people love. Using these instead of flour can make your recipe feel more like restaurant-style chicken tenders.

3. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying, but it’s not your only option. Canola oil and peanut oil are excellent substitutes because they both have high smoke points, meaning they can withstand high frying temperatures without breaking down. Canola oil is neutral in flavor, so it won’t interfere with the seasoning on your chicken. Peanut oil, on the other hand, adds a slightly nutty undertone, making the mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe taste richer without being overpowering.

4. Paprika

If you’re out of regular paprika, smoked paprika is a fantastic substitute. It provides the same mild heat but also adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the coating. Smoked paprika can give your chicken tenders a bolder, more robust seasoning profile, making them stand out compared to the classic version. If you prefer a stronger kick, you can also mix smoked paprika with a pinch of chili powder.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper brings heat to the chicken, but if you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, you can replace it with chili powder for a gentler warmth. Alternatively, you can simply leave it out entirely for a milder, family-friendly version. Some cooks even add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade as a substitute—it still infuses spice but blends more smoothly into the overall flavor.

6. Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, but if you prefer juicier tenders, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They have slightly more fat, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful even after frying. Thighs also tend to be more forgiving during cooking—you’re less likely to dry them out compared to breasts. If you want your tenders to taste richer and more indulgent, thighs are the way to go.

Nutritional Facts (Per Tender)

Final Thoughts

Bringing back the taste of McDonald’s chicken tenders recipe is easier than you might think. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create tenders that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. The buttermilk marinade ensures juiciness, while the seasoned flour coating guarantees that irresistible crunch. 

Pair them with fries, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces for the full mcdonald’s chicken tenders recipe experience. While the fast-food chain may no longer serve them, this homemade recipe lets you enjoy the same flavors anytime you like. So, the next time you’re craving comfort food or need a crowd-pleasing snack, skip the drive-thru and whip up a batch of these golden, crispy tenders right at home.

Checkout for more Meat Recipes here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)