There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken tenders and fries. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic meal from childhood or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinner, this recipe delivers everything you want in a comfort food meal. Tender, juicy chicken encased in a flavorful, crispy coating, paired with golden fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — this is the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Chicken tenders and fries have long been a staple of casual dining, but making them at home can elevate this beloved duo to a whole new level. What’s even better is how simple this recipe is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or even a fun weekend project with the kids. With a few pantry staples and some expert tips on frying, you’ll learn how to get that restaurant-quality crunch without leaving your kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key ingredients needed, detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make perfect chicken tenders and fries, and provide plenty of tips for perfecting your technique. Additionally, you’ll learn about creative variations, serving suggestions, and how to customize the recipe for dietary needs. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools and confidence you need to make this comfort food classic at home.
Key Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tenders and Fries
To make the perfect crispy chicken tenders and fries, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Each of these plays a key role in ensuring your dish comes out flavorful and delicious every time. Let’s take a closer look at the components of this recipe:
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are, as the name suggests, tender strips of chicken that are cut from the breast. They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them the ideal cut for this recipe. You can buy pre-cut chicken tenders, but using whole chicken breasts and cutting them into strips yourself gives you control over the thickness and consistency.
Alternative: If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner meal.
Flour and Seasonings
To create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken, you’ll need a simple mixture of flour and seasonings. The flour helps to create that crunchy texture, while the seasonings — like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper — enhance the flavor.
For added crunch and flavor, consider adding some cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs to your coating. Cornstarch helps to create a crispier crust, while panko adds an airy crunch. You can also spice up your tenders by adding cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Gluten-free option: Swap the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Eggs and Buttermilk
For the dredging process, a combination of eggs and buttermilk is used to help the flour mixture stick to the chicken. The eggs provide structure, while the buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
Dairy-free alternative: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to replicate the acidity of buttermilk.
Oil for Frying
Choosing the right oil for frying is crucial to achieving that perfect golden brown exterior. You’ll want an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, to ensure that your chicken tenders fry evenly and don’t burn.
Potatoes for Fries
For the fries, russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy content, which helps them achieve that crispy exterior while remaining soft inside. However, you can use other types of potatoes if needed.
Sweet potato option: For a slightly healthier twist, swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes. They provide a unique flavor and offer a boost of nutrients.
Salt and Seasonings for Fries
To season your fries, all you really need is salt. However, you can elevate the flavor by tossing the fries in garlic powder, paprika, or even herbs like rosemary for a more gourmet touch.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders and Fries
Now that we’ve gone over the key ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious chicken tenders and fries. Each step is designed to ensure you get the perfect balance of juicy chicken and crispy fries.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Begin by prepping your chicken. If you’re using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips that are about 1-inch thick. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk until well combined. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each tender is fully coated and shake off any excess flour. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the tenders by repeating this process.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Fries
While the chicken is frying, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into uniform sticks, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up during frying.
Step 6: Fry the Potatoes
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C), and fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Once they are done, drain them on paper towels and immediately season with salt.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crispy chicken tenders alongside your freshly made fries. For an added touch, serve with a selection of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Perfecting Crispy Chicken Tenders and Fries
Achieving the perfect balance of crispy and juicy chicken, along with the ideal fry texture, can be a challenge for some. Here are a few tips to help you perfect this recipe:
- Double-dip for extra crunch: For chicken tenders with an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after the first round of dredging.
- Use a thermometer: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to achieving perfectly fried chicken tenders and fries. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays around 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Frying too many tenders or fries at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy food. Fry in small batches for the best results.
- Season immediately: Season the fries as soon as they come out of the oil. This allows the seasoning to stick to the fries while they’re still hot and slightly oily.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Presentation can elevate a simple dish like chicken tenders and fries to a whole new level. Here are some tips on how to serve this meal in an attractive and appetizing way:
Plating Techniques
When plating chicken tenders and fries, consider arranging the tenders in a neat row or stack them in a fan-like pattern. You can place the fries in a small basket or bowl on the side for a more restaurant-like feel. Garnishing the plate with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the golden tones of the fried food.
Complementary Side Dishes and Sauces
While chicken tenders and fries are delicious on their own, adding a few sides or sauces can elevate the meal even more. Here are some ideas:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Coleslaw: A cool and creamy coleslaw makes a great side dish that provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken and fries.
- Pickles: Serve your chicken tenders with a side of pickles for a tangy bite that cuts through the fried flavors.
Adaptations for Different Occasions
This meal is versatile enough to fit any occasion. For a casual family dinner, serve it in a simple, no-fuss manner with plenty of dipping sauces. For a more festive gathering, you can offer chicken tenders in a variety of coatings (like buffalo or BBQ) and fries in different styles (such as sweet potato fries or seasoned curly fries).
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Tenders and Fries
If you love chicken tenders and fries but want to try something new or adapt the recipe to fit specific dietary needs, here are some ideas:
Regional Twists
- Southern-style: Use a buttermilk marinade and add a mix of Cajun spices to the flour coating for a Southern-inspired twist.
- Asian-inspired: Toss the chicken tenders in a soy-based glaze with sesame seeds and serve with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Panko breadcrumbs can also be found in gluten-free varieties.
- Baked instead of fried: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders and fries instead of frying them. Coat the chicken in a thin layer of oil and bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Vegan adaptation: Swap the chicken tenders for tofu strips or tempeh. Use plant-based milk for the dredging process and coat with seasoned flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
FAQs for Chicken Tenders and Fries
1. Can I make chicken tenders and fries ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken tenders by dredging them in the flour mixture and storing them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying. Fries can also be cut and soaked ahead of time, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before frying.
2. How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy?
If you’re not serving the tenders right away, keep them warm in an oven at 200°F (93°C) on a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy while staying crispy.
3. Can I air fry chicken tenders and fries?
Absolutely! To air fry, spray the chicken tenders and fries with a light coat of oil and cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. What kind of potatoes work best for fries?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for crispy fries, thanks to their high starch content. However, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a creamier texture.
5. Can I freeze leftover chicken tenders?
Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze the fried chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken tenders and fries are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and some frying tips. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many variations mentioned in this guide, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
So, grab your frying pan, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of homemade chicken tenders and fries. Once you’ve tried this recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment with new spices, sauces, and presentation ideas to make it your own. Let us know how your dish turned out and share your creations with others!