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Crispy chicken tenders served with golden French fries and a side of ketchup.

Chicken Tenders and Fries


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • 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

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken Tenders
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