Chicken Tender Sandwich Sonic Recipe | just 35 min

Craving that perfect crispy-meets-juicy bite from your favorite drive-in? This homemade chicken tender sandwich delivers all the nostalgic flavors of Sonic’s classic without leaving your kitchen.

Ideal for weekend family dinners or when you’re tired of expensive takeout, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, crunchy perfection in just 25 minutes.

The secret lies in the double-breading technique and seasoned buttermilk marinade, which create impossibly tender chicken with a shatteringly crisp exterior.

Nestled between toasted brioche buns with creamy mayo and fresh lettuce, each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by incredibly juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth.

Whether feeding hungry teenagers or treating yourself to comfort food, this easy-to-follow recipe proves that the best fast-food flavors can be mastered in your kitchen.

Recipe Information:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Serving: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into eight tender strips
• 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk is your secret weapon for tenderness!
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder

For the Coating:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch – hello, extra crunch!
• 2 tsp (10g) paprika
• 1 tsp (5g) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche buns – trust us, they’re worth it!
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp (30ml) honey mustard
• 4 leaves of butter lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 4 pickle slices
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups/480ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Add chicken strips and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This buttermilk bath breaks down tough proteins, making your chicken incredibly tender!

Step 2: Create the Perfect Coating

Combine flour, cornstarch, and all spices in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until well blended. The cornstarch is your secret ingredient for that extra-crispy texture that rivals the original!

Step 3: Heat Your Oil

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Use a thermometer – this temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy coating without burning.

Step 4: Coat Those Tenders

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage. Shake off excess coating.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Fry chicken tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t overcrowd the pot—this drops the oil temperature and creates a soggy coating!

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Place cooked tenders on a wire rack over paper towels. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes – this keeps them crispy while you prep the buns.

Step 7: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Toast brioche buns lightly. Mix mayo and honey mustard for your sauce. Spread sauce on both bun halves, add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and top with two crispy tenders per sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip the buttermilk soak – it differentiates between good and excellent chicken.
• Avoid overcrowding the fryer – work in batches for consistently crispy results.
• Don’t press down on the coating too hard – gentle pressure maintains that fluffy texture.
• Never skip the thermometer – guessing oil temperature leads to greasy or burnt chicken.
• Don’t sauce the buns too early – assembly should be your final step to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg

Serving Suggestions:

Pair your sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries or onion rings for a drive-thru experience. Add a cold cherry limeade or vanilla milkshake to complete the meal. For a lighter option, serve fresh coleslaw or pickle spears on the side.

Pro tip: These tenders are also fantastic chopped up over a garden salad or wrapped in a tortilla with ranch dressing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Chicken tender sandwiches with bread are a healthy choice for the family and consist of healthy ingredients. They make for a great lunch or dinner option and can be prepared in many ways based on your personal preferences.

This recipe uses many healthy ingredients. Combining honey mustard dressing, mayonnaise, and pickles will help you get a nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Ensure that you always read the labels of any ingredients used in this recipe.

The sandwich is filled with protein and vitamins, which help prevent diseases and keep your body strong. Over time, enjoy this dish as it is an easy recipe that can be made at home by anyone who has cooked it before.