Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dust

Crispy, tangy, juicy, and ranch-flavored to the max—these chicken tenders are next-level snack game goals. 🥒
If you’ve never brined chicken in pickle juice, get ready for your new obsession. These Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders are ultra-juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and finished with a dusting of zesty ranch seasoning that takes every bite over the top. Whether you’re making them for game day, a fun dinner, or a party platter—these tenders disappear fast!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (straight from the jar!)
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (dry packet or homemade)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola), for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken tenders, pickle juice, and buttermilk.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for max flavor and juiciness.
Tip: The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy zip that’s irresistible.
2️⃣ Bread the Tenders
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, ranch seasoning, and a little salt & pepper.
Remove chicken from marinade (don’t rinse!) and dredge in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Press the coating on gently to help it stick.
3️⃣ Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.
Fry chicken in batches, about 5–6 minutes per batch, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4️⃣ Dust with Ranch & Serve
While still hot, sprinkle a pinch of extra ranch seasoning over the top of the tenders for that final flavor bomb. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1–4 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes active
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350–400 per serving (depending on frying method and sauces)
Flavor Bomb Tips:
- Want a spicier version? Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix.
- For a healthier twist, try air frying or oven-baking with a light spritz of oil (400°F for 15–18 min, flipping halfway).
- Make your own ranch seasoning with a blend of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives.
Perfect Pairings
Serve with a cold drink, a crunchy slaw, or pile them into a sandwich with pickles and lettuce. These chicken tenders also make a killer appetizer with a tray of dips on the side!
Tangy, crispy, ranch-dusted perfection is calling—grab that jar of pickles and get brining!