There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy piece of chicken tenders and golden fries. This comfort meal brings back nostalgic memories of casual dinners and fun family gatherings. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or simply indulging in your favorite comfort food, these crispy chicken tenders and fries will surely hit all the right notes.
Making chicken tenders and fries at home allows you to control the ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods, making this dish healthier and more customizable than the fast-food version. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up these golden, crunchy delights. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step through creating crispy, golden chicken tenders and fries that are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love crispy chicken tenders and fries—and once you try this recipe, you’ll agree! Here’s why it’s so special:
- Perfectly Crispy and Golden: The combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates a crispy coating that locks in moisture, giving you juicy chicken tenders with every bite.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can adjust the spices, breading, or even the way you cook the chicken tenders and fries based on your preferences. Whether you like them spicy, extra crispy, or lighter, the options are endless!
- Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved: Whether your little ones love dipping or your whole family enjoys a good crunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Healthy Twist Options: While deep frying adds extra crunch, you can easily make healthier versions by using the air fryer or oven baking method.
Key Benefits of Homemade Chicken Tenders and Fries
Making crispy chicken tenders and golden fries at home is not only rewarding, but it also comes with numerous benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: When you make this dish at home, you have full control over what goes into it. You can use high-quality chicken breast, choose your seasonings, and avoid preservatives or artificial flavors found in fast food.
- Healthier Option: Homemade tenders are a healthier alternative to fast food options because they use healthier oils, are baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, and are made fresh. Plus, you can add extra veggies on the side for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Whether you’re making crispy chicken tenders for kids or looking to add a spicy twist, this recipe’s beauty is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients, play with spices, or even try sweet potato fries for a fun variation!
- Cost-Effective: While eating out or ordering in can get expensive, this meal is budget-friendly and feeds the entire family without breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make these crispy chicken tenders and golden fries:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Fries:
- 3 large russet potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference)
- Cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil for frying)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy fries
Optional Add-Ons:
- Dipping sauces: Ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these crispy chicken tenders and golden fries:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Start by cutting your chicken breasts into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size to guarantee they cook evenly.
- Set up a breading station: In one bowl, add the flour mixed with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken strip by first dipping it into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Lightly press the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere properly.
- Set the breaded chicken strips aside on a plate or tray while you prepare to cook them.
2. Prepare the Fries
- Peel (optional) and slice the russet potatoes into uniform strips. Aim to keep them roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Soak the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps remove excess starch and will result in crispier fries.
- After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the drier they are, the better.
3. Fry the Chicken and Fries
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it—if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In the same oil (or fresh oil if needed), fry the fries in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. Remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle the fries with salt or any additional seasonings.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenders and golden fries on a plate. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
- For extra flavor and color, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. You can also add a squeeze of lemon over the chicken tenders for a bright and zesty finish.
Want to know why breading works so well to create that golden, crispy texture? Serious Eats has a comprehensive guide on the science behind it.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your crispy chicken tenders and fries to the next level? Here are some helpful pro tips and variations to customize this dish:
1. Double Breading for Extra Crunch
For an ultra-crispy coating, try double-breading the chicken tenders. After dipping them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, dip them again in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier coating.
2. Spicy Chicken Tenders
If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce to the breading mix. For an extra punch, marinate the chicken in a buttermilk and hot sauce mixture before breading.
3. Sweet Potato Fries
Looking to make a healthier swap? Try using sweet potatoes for your fries. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter and full of vitamins, and they bake up beautifully when seasoned and roasted.
4. Oven-Baked or Air-Fried Options
If you prefer a lighter, oil-free version, both the oven and air fryer work great for making crispy chicken tenders and fries.
- Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders and fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fried: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the chicken tenders and fries in a single layer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your crispy chicken tenders and fries are ready, it’s time to serve them up! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. A spicy Sriracha mayo can add some heat, or go for a blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.
- Side Dishes: Pair your tenders with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Make It a Combo: Add a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a complete meal, or serve with a **creamy milkshake
** for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Making crispy chicken tenders and golden fries at home is a fun, easy, and customizable meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. The combination of crispy, golden fries, and juicy chicken tenders creates the perfect balance of flavor and crunch that will satisfy any craving.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, skip the takeout and try this homemade version—you won’t regret it!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. There are many excellent gluten-free breadcrumbs available, and you can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: How do I make the fries crispier?
A: Soaking the fries in cold water and drying them thoroughly before frying or baking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. If you’re baking or air frying, brushing the fries with a little oil before cooking also enhances crispiness.
Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to bake the chicken tenders. Arrange the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I store leftover chicken tenders and fries?
A: Store leftover chicken tenders and fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.