Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

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What Is Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders are crispy, battered chicken strips inspired by one of the most popular appetizers and comfort food dishes served at LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants across the United States. The tenders are known for their crunchy golden coating, juicy interior, and perfectly seasoned flavor.

Unlike ordinary chicken strips, LongHorn-style tenders use a heavily seasoned breading and buttermilk-based preparation that helps create their signature restaurant-quality texture.

How To Make Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders

Making these chicken tenders at home is surprisingly simple.

First, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and seasonings. This step keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Next, prepare a seasoned flour mixture and a wet batter.

The chicken is then coated twice, creating a thick, crunchy crust that becomes beautifully golden during frying.

Finally, deep fry until crispy and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe
Capri Koch

Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders Recipe

Learn how to make crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders at home with this easy copycat recipe. Golden, crunchy, juicy, and packed with restaurant-style flavor, these homemade chicken tenders are perfect for family dinners, parties, and game days.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 ib Chicken Tenderloins Fresh preferred
  • 2 cups Buttermilk Tenderizes chicken
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce Optional
  • 1 tsp Salt For seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds color
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder Flavor
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional heat
Crispy Coatin
  • 2 cups All Purpose Flour Main coating
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Color and flavor
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Flavor
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt Seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Fresh ground
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano Extra flavor
Wet Batter
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature
  • 0.25 cup buttermilk Creates crispy crust
  • 3 tbsp flour Thickens batter
Frying
  • 1.5 litres Vegetable Oil For deep frying

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl For marinating chicken
  • 1 Shallow Bowl For seasoned flour
  • 1 Medium Bowl For wet batter
  • 1 Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven For frying
  • 1 Cooking Thermometer To monitor oil temperature
  • 1 Wire Rack Keeps tenders crispy
  • 1 Whisk Mixing ingredients
  • 1 Tongs Safe frying
  • 1 Measuring Cup Set Accurate measurements
  • 1 Measuring Spoon Set For seasonings

Method
 

  1. Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add chicken tenderloins and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and flour until smooth.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade.
  6. Coat each piece in seasoned flour.
  7. Dip into wet batter.
  8. Coat again with seasoned flour and gently press to help the coating stick.
  9. Let coated tenders rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  13. Transfer to a wire rack.
  14. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

• Marinating overnight provides the best flavor.
• Double breading creates the signature restaurant-style crunch.
• Maintain oil temperature between 340°F and 350°F.
• Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
• For extra crispy tenders, chill the breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying.
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Rating: 5 out of 5.

History of Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders

LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. While the restaurant is best known for its steaks, many customers quickly became fans of its chicken dishes as well.

Over the years, the crispy chicken tenders became a customer favorite because of their crunchy coating and juicy texture.

Today, copycat versions of the recipe are widely searched online as home cooks try to recreate the restaurant experience in their own kitchens.

There are several reasons why these chicken tenders remain popular:

  • Crispy restaurant-style coating
  • Juicy and tender chicken
  • Family-friendly flavor
  • Easy to customize
  • Perfect for dipping sauces
  • Loved by both kids and adults
  • Great for parties and gatherings

Best Foods To Serve With Chicken Tenders

Pair your Longhorn chicken tenders with:

  • French fries
  • Onion rings
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Coleslaw
  • Mac and cheese
  • Corn on the cob
  • Caesar salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Ranch dressing

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Tenders

Better Ingredient Control

You can choose high-quality chicken and control the amount of salt and oil used.

Fresher Flavor

Freshly fried chicken always tastes better than frozen alternatives.

Family Friendly

Chicken tenders are one of the most universally loved comfort foods.

Budget Friendly

Making chicken tenders at home costs significantly less than restaurant takeout.

Customizable

Adjust the spice level and seasonings to suit your taste.

Who Should Avoid This Recipe?

This recipe may not be suitable for:

  • Individuals following low-fat diets
  • People with gluten allergies (unless gluten-free flour is used)
  • Those avoiding fried foods
  • Individuals sensitive to dairy products
  • Anyone monitoring sodium intake closely

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Longhorn chicken tenders different?

The seasoned double coating and buttermilk marinade create a crispier texture and deeper flavor than traditional chicken tenders.

Can I air fry these chicken tenders?

Yes. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes. Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for several hours before frying.

What is the best oil for frying chicken tenders?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are excellent choices because of their high smoke points.

How do I keep chicken tenders crispy?

Place them on a wire rack after frying and avoid covering them while hot.

Can I freeze chicken tenders?

Yes. Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Are chicken tenders and chicken strips the same?

Chicken tenders are the tenderloin muscle beneath the chicken breast, while strips can be cut from various parts of the breast.

What dipping sauces go best with chicken tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and garlic aioli are all excellent choices.

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