Ingredients
Method
- Submerge the chicken tenderloins in the pickle brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
- Whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and celery salt in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg into the milk until smooth.
- Remove chicken from brine without patting dry. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in the milk and egg wash, then press back into the flour. Rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders in batches of 3 to 4 for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Return oil to 350°F between batches and rest finished tenders on a wire rack.
- Arrange tenders on a platter, sprinkle with salt, and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
The 40-minute prep time includes the minimum 30-minute brine soak — this is mostly hands-off time. If you want to get ahead, bread the tenders and hold them on a rack in the fridge for up to 1 hour before frying. Cold, rested breading actually sticks better than fresh-breaded chicken going straight into the oil.
