LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style chicken tenders, you’re in for a treat! This LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe brings the same crispy, golden-brown perfection right to your kitchen. These tenders are tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Making chicken tenders at home might seem intimidating, but with the right technique and seasoning, you can achieve that irresistible steakhouse quality without stepping out. From brining the chicken for maximum flavor to mastering the perfect dredge and wet batter, this recipe covers it all, like the Chicago Tribune Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or meal prepping for the week, these chicken tenders are versatile and sure to impress. Serve them with a spicy red sauce, some curly fries, or even a fresh coleslaw for the ultimate comfort food experience.

My Personal Experience With This LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

I remember the first time I tried making these chicken tenders at home it was a game-changer! The brine, infused with cayenne pepper and hot sauce, added so much flavor without making the tenders too spicy. I loved seeing the chicken soak up all those flavors overnight.

The process of coating the chicken in flour, dipping it into the wet batter, and then dredging it again seemed a little time-consuming at first. But the result was worth every second the chicken came out perfectly golden, crispy, and juicy inside.

Serving these tenders with a homemade spicy red sauce elevated the dish even further. The balance of heat, sweetness, and tang made every bite irresistible. Honestly, this recipe has now become my go-to for homemade chicken tenders, and it impresses anyone I share it with!

Ingredients Required for LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders

• 500g chicken breasts (tenders removed)
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp MSG (optional)
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt to taste
• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp soda water
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1–2 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp honey
• Chopped parsley

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Sharp knife
2. Mixing bowls
3. Frying pan or deep fryer
4. Tongs
5. Wire rack
6. Gloves (optional but recommended)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 4–12 hours for brining)
Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 4–12 hours 30 minutes (including brining)

Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders in a delicious way.

Step 1. Prep the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the breasts or slice large breasts into thick strips. Wash and trim any excess fat if necessary. Place the chicken in a bowl and brine with salt, cayenne pepper, and a splash of hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2. Prepare Dredge and Batter: In one bowl, combine plain flour, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, black and white pepper, MSG (optional), and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, soda water, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 3. Coat the Chicken: First, dredge each tender in plain flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the wet batter, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks evenly.

Step 4. Heat the Oil: Pour neutral oil into a frying pan or deep fryer and heat to 160°C (320°F). Maintain the temperature throughout frying for even cooking.

Step 5. Fry the Tenders: Cook chicken tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack. Lightly season immediately after frying.

Step 6. Make the Spicy Red Sauce & Serve: Combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, black pepper, honey, and parsley. Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with the spicy red sauce, fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders deliciously

1. With Curly Fries and Spicy Red Sauce
Honestly, this is our go-to. The crispiness of the fries with the tender chicken dipped in that homemade spicy red sauce? Pure comfort food heaven.

2. Classic Coleslaw Combo
We love pairing the chicken tenders with a tangy coleslaw. The crunch and creaminess balance the crispiness perfectly.

3. In a Sandwich
Slap a few tenders inside a soft bun with some pickles, lettuce, and a drizzle of sauce. We tried this for lunch once, and it became an instant favorite.

4. With Mac and Cheese
Pairing tenders with creamy mac and cheese? Game-changer. The cheesy sauce hugs the chicken perfectly.

5. Buffalo Style
Toss the tenders in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip. We tried this for a weekend snack and it disappeared in minutes.

6. Over a Salad
Cut the tenders into strips and place them on a fresh garden salad. Light, crunchy, and satisfying we loved this lighter version after a heavy weekend meal.

7. With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Comfort food at its best. The chicken’s crunch with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy? We’ve made this for family dinners and it’s always a hit.

8. As a Snack Platter
Serve tenders with assorted dips like honey mustard, barbecue, and spicy red sauce. Perfect for movie nights we always end up trying all the sauces!

9. Taco Style
Wrap tenders in a soft tortilla with slaw and sauce. We experimented once, and the mix of textures was surprisingly addictive.

10. With Pickles and Cornbread
For a Southern twist, we love serving the tenders with crunchy pickles and slightly sweet cornbread. It’s a flavor combination we can’t get enough of.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh chicken
Always pick fresh chicken. It makes your tenders taste better and cook evenly.

2. Brine is magic
Let the chicken sit in salt and a little hot sauce for a few hours. It makes the chicken juicy and tasty.

3. Cut thick strips
Don’t make the pieces too thin. Thick strips stay juicy inside and crisp outside.

4. Season your flour
Mix spices in the flour. It adds lots of flavor, so your tenders are never bland.

5. Room temperature chicken
Take the chicken out of the fridge before frying. It cooks better and stays juicy.

6. Don’t crowd the pan
Fry in small batches. Crowding makes the oil cool and the chicken soggy.

7. Keep the oil steady
Medium-high heat works best. Too hot burns the coating, too low makes it greasy.

8. Drain on a rack
After frying, put the chicken on a rack, not paper towels. This keeps it crispy all over.

9. Taste the sauce
Always try your spicy red sauce or Jack in the Box Avocado Lime Sauce before serving. Add a little more honey or spice if you need.

10. Have fun with sides
Try fries, salad, or coleslaw. We always find new ways to enjoy these chicken tenders at home!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy coating.

FAQs on this Copycat LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

When you give this LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What do chicken tenders need to be cooked to?

From our experience, chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). This ensures they are fully cooked but still juicy inside. Using a meat thermometer makes it easy to get it just right.

2. Are LongHorn chicken tenders frozen?

Yes, many restaurant-style chicken tenders are frozen before cooking or serving. At home, we like using fresh chicken for the best texture, but frozen works too just thaw it fully before brining and frying.

3. What part of the chicken is best for chicken tenders?

We always use chicken breast tenders, also called the “inner tenderloin.” They’re naturally tender and cook evenly. You can also slice larger breasts into thick strips, but breasts give the best texture.

4. Can I make these tenders spicy?

Absolutely! We like adding a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the brine. It gives flavor without overpowering the chicken.

5. How long should I brine the chicken?

We’ve found 4–12 hours works best. Overnight gives the juiciest, most flavorful tenders.

6. Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! We’ve tried baking at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes. They’re slightly less crispy than fried, but still delicious.

7. How do I keep them crispy after frying?

Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels. Paper towels make them soggy. We also lightly season right after frying.

8. Can I make the coating ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix the seasoned flour in advance and store in an airtight container. Just coat the chicken right before frying.

9. What dips go best with these tenders?

We love the homemade spicy red sauce, but ranch, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce all work beautifully.

10. Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier, but breasts are firmer and crisp up nicely. We’ve tried both, and it really depends on your taste preference.

These LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. With a homemade spicy red sauce and a simple frying technique, you can recreate the restaurant experience at home. Try this recipe today and experience the ultimate chicken tender delight. Don’t forget to share your crispy creations and let us know how they turned out!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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