Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders Price, Recipe & Nutrition

Longhorn Steakhouse offers crispy and juicy hand breaded chicken tenders on its chicken seafood & More menu.

Check the complete Longhorn Menu

6 Pieces Price: $18.29
9 Pieces Price: $20.99
Lunch
Starting at: $16.29

The chicken tenders are prepared with white chicken meat. The chicken tenders are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. These tenders offer a juicy and savory taste. 

Longhorn chicken tenders are available in two different sizes. You can get the 9 pieces of nuggets or 12 pieces of nuggets along with the honey mustard sauce. You can also pair them with fries or salad to tantalize the taste buds. 

Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• Chicken Breast
• Honey wheat bread
• Honey Mustard Sauce

Allergens

• Dairy 
• Wheat 
• Soy
• Gluten

Nutritional Report

Energy Content: 6 Pieces: 420 Cals 9 Pieces: 620 Cals

Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe 

If you love the crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders from Longhorn Steakhouse, you’re in for a treat! This easy-to-follow recipe lets you recreate the delicious crunch and juicy tenderness of Longhorn’s famous hand-breaded chicken tenders right in your kitchen. 

Perfect for a family meal, game night, or a quick snack, these homemade tenders are bursting with flavor and ready in no time. Let’s dive in!

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients for Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders

To make these delicious chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying, about 3-4 cups)

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders 

Making hand-breaded chicken tenders at home is easier than you think! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve crispy, golden-brown tenders packed with flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken To ensure juicy and flavorful tenders, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but marinating is highly recommended for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station Set up three shallow bowls:

1. Flour Mixture – In the first bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Egg Wash – In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Flour Coating – Reserve half of the flour mixture in a separate bowl for a double-dipping process.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
• Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly.
• Dip into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Coat again in the reserved flour mixture for that signature crunch.

Step 4: Heat the Oil In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

• Carefully place chicken tenders in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Let the tenders rest for a minute before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for an extra flavor kick!

Best Side Dishes and Dipping Sauces to Serve with Chicken Tenders

A great meal needs the perfect sides! Here are some classic pairings:

• French Fries – Crispy, golden fries are always a winner.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing, tangy side that balances the crunch.
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy tenders beautifully.
• Mac & Cheese – A rich and cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly.
• Garden Salad – A light and fresh option to balance out the meal.

Dipping Sauce Pairings

Take your chicken tenders to the next level with these dipping sauces:

• Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy perfection.
• Ranch Dressing – A creamy and cool classic.
• Buffalo Sauce – For those who love a spicy kick.
• BBQ Sauce – Smoky and slightly sweet, perfect for dipping.

Tips for the Best Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders

• Double Coating is Key – This ensures extra crunch and restaurant-quality texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in small batches for even cooking.
• Check the Oil Temperature – Keep it steady at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy tenders.
• Let Them Rest – Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Baked Version for a Healthier Alternative If you prefer a healthier version, follow these adjustments:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Lightly coat breaded tenders with cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes.

FAQs

Are Longhorn Chicken tenders frozen? 

Longhorn makes the chicken tender fresh daily after the customer orders. 

What kind of oil does Longhorn use to fry the chicken tenders? 

Longhorn uses soybean oil to fry the chicken tender.

What kind of bread does Longhorn Steakhouse use? 

Longhorn Steakhouse uses honey wheat bread.