There’s something universally comforting about a perfectly cooked plate of Chicken tenders and fries. After a few attempts to recreate the classic restaurant experience at home, I finally figured out the simple secrets to getting that irresistible crunch. This recipe is the result of that journey, and it’s become our go-to for a fun, satisfying meal.
What I love about this homemade Chicken tenders and fries recipe is its straightforward simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment to create tenders that are juicy on the inside with a perfectly crispy coating, alongside fries that are fluffy and delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Perfect Homemade Fries
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or garlic powder
How to Make Chicken Tenders and Fries
First things first, let’s get the potatoes ready. After scrubbing them clean, cut the potatoes into uniform ¼-inch sticks and place them in a large bowl of cold water to soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for removing excess starch, which is the secret to crispy fries. Once soaked, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry.
While the potatoes soak, prepare the breading station. You’ll need three shallow dishes: one for the whisked flour, cornstarch, and seasonings; a second for the beaten eggs; and a third for the panko breadcrumbs. Take one chicken strip at a time, dredge it in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg, and finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
To cook, heat your vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with salt immediately. In the same oil, fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
My Best Chicken Tenders and Fries Tips
The Key Ingredients Explained
- Cornstarch in the Flour: Mixing cornstarch with flour results in a lighter, crispier coating that stays crunchy much longer.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko crumbs absorb less oil, making your chicken tenders wonderfully crispy and light, not heavy or greasy.
- Russet Potatoes for Fries: Russets are high in starch and low in moisture, the perfect combination for a fry that’s fluffy inside and crisp outside.
Don’t Crowd the Pan for Even Cooking
My most important tip is to avoid overcrowding the pot. Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature from dropping, which ensures your food fries to a perfect crisp instead of turning out soggy.
Delicious Variations of Chicken Tenders and Fries
You can easily customize your Chicken tenders and fries. For a spicy kick, simply add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture and a dash of chili powder to the fries. If you prefer a healthier, oven-baked version, mix ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the panko, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, and toss the fries with olive oil and rosemary before baking. Making this recipe gluten-free is also simple: just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko for the coating.
If you love crispy textures, explore other recipes like Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole for more crispy potato inspirations.
FAQs
Can You Air Fry Chicken Tenders and French Fries at the Same Time?
I recommend against it for the best results. They typically have different cooking times, and cooking them together often leads to one being overcooked while the other is undercooked. For the crispiest outcome, air fry them in separate batches.
What Is the Difference Between Chicken Tenders and Chicken Tenderloins?
A chicken tenderloin is a specific cut the small strip of muscle under the chicken breast. A “chicken tender” is a more general term for any strip cut from the breast. Tenderloins are naturally more tender, but you can make delicious tenders from any part of the breast.
Is It OK to Eat Chicken Tenders on a Diet?
Absolutely, depending on how they’re prepared. When you bake or air fry them, you significantly reduce the oil and calories. Homemade chicken tenders are a great source of lean protein and can certainly be part of a balanced diet.
Print
Chicken Tenders and Fries
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Achieve that irresistible restaurant-quality crunch at home with this simple recipe for Chicken Tenders and Fries. Discover the secret to perfectly crispy, golden tenders that are incredibly juicy on the inside, served alongside fluffy, perfectly seasoned homemade fries. This is the ultimate comfort meal that guarantees smiles and clean plates all around!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken Tenders
1½ pounds chicken breast strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Perfect Homemade Fries
4 large russet potatoes
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Salt (to taste)
Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes.
Scrub the potatoes clean and cut them into uniform ¼-inch sticks. Place them in a large bowl of cold water to soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for removing excess starch and achieving maximum crispiness. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Set Up Breading Station.
While the potatoes soak, prepare three shallow dishes for the chicken. In the first dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken.
Working one at a time, dredge a chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken strip firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, covering it completely. Set the coated tenders on a plate.
Fry the Fries.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the dried potatoes to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt immediately.
Fry the Chicken Tenders.
Using the same oil, carefully place the chicken tenders in the pot, again working in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let them rest on a wire rack before serving with the fries.
Notes
Crispiness Secrets:
Soaking the potatoes in cold water is essential for removing starch and making crispier fries. For the chicken, the combination of cornstarch in the flour and panko breadcrumbs creates an extra light and crunchy coating that absorbs less oil.
Don’t Crowd the Pan:
Frying in small batches is key! Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy food instead of a crispy finish.
Spicy Variation:
For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Baked Version:
For a healthier option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss the potatoes with olive oil and your favorite seasonings and bake them alongside the chicken until golden.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 tenders and 1 cup fries)
- Calories: 985
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 46
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 37
- Carbohydrates: 107
- Fiber: 9
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 220
Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, homemade french fries, chicken and fries, comfort food, family dinner, panko chicken, deep fried chicken, American classic
