Chicken Tenders and Fries: A Crispy Homemade Delight

Learn to make crispy chicken tenders and golden fries at home! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for family meals or game nights. Ready in 45 minutes!

Craving a crispy, golden bite with juicy tenderness inside? Look no further than this easy homemade chicken tenders and fries recipe. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or even a casual meal, you’ll love how quickly this dish comes together and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Introduction

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as crispy chicken tenders and golden fries. This iconic duo, often found in fast food chains and diners, has been elevated to new heights when made at home. You get full control over the seasonings, crunch factor, and oil used—making the meal both tastier and healthier. Not to mention, it’s quick, versatile, and easy to customize.

By making this recipe at home, you get to enjoy freshly fried or baked chicken tenders without all the preservatives and excess oil found in most fast food joints. Plus, you can experiment with healthier options, like air frying or baking, to create a guilt-free indulgence. Discover how to make this delicious dish your own, while also reaping the benefits of using an air fryer.

Key Ingredients with Exact Measurements

The success of chicken tenders and fries largely comes down to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

Chicken Tenders

• 500g boneless chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Fries

• 3 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Substitutions

• For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
• If you want a healthier alternative to fries, swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots.

Homemade fries are not only easy but much healthier than their fast-food counterparts. For more information on this, check out why homemade fries are healthier than fast food fries.

Equipment Needed

Ensure you have the right tools on hand for the best cooking experience. Here’s a list of essential equipment:

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Shallow dishes for dredging
• Baking sheets or frying pan
• Paper towels for draining excess oil
• Tongs
• Deep fryer or air fryer (optional for fries)
• Oven for keeping batches warm (optional)

Preparation Time

The total preparation and cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Pre-Preparation

1. Set up your dredging station by placing flour, whisked eggs mixed with buttermilk, and seasoned breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking your fries. If frying, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. Slice the russet potatoes into even strips and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

Cooking Chicken Tenders

1. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
2. Next, dip the tenders into the egg-buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Finally, coat the tenders in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
4. Fry the tenders in batches for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. If baking, cook them for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Once done, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing Fries

1. After soaking the fries, drain and pat them completely dry. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for added flavor.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet if baking, and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
3. Alternatively, fry the potatoes in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain.

Post-Processing

1. Once cooked, sprinkle the fries with additional salt to taste.
2. Let the chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes to maintain their crunch and allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips and Tricks

• Double frying: For extra-crispy fries, consider double frying them. Fry them once at a lower temperature (300°F) and then fry them again at 350°F to achieve the perfect golden texture.
• Marinate the chicken: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least an hour before dredging and frying.
• Healthier options: You can use an air fryer for both the tenders and fries. Simply set the temperature to 400°F and cook the tenders for about 12-15 minutes, and the fries for 15-18 minutes.
• Rest on a wire rack: After frying, place the tenders on a wire rack to avoid sogginess and maintain that perfect crunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional information for chicken tenders and fries per serving:

Chicken Tenders

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g

Fries

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g

This information is a general estimate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQ

What’s the difference between chicken tenders and chicken fingers?

Chicken tenders come from the tenderloin, while chicken fingers are made from sliced breast meat.

Can I use frozen fries instead of homemade fries?

Yes, you can use frozen fries, but homemade fries offer more control over seasoning and cooking techniques.

How do I prevent my chicken tenders from getting soggy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying and ensure that the oil is hot enough. Let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

What are the best dipping sauces for chicken tenders?

Popular dipping sauces include honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and buffalo sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Storing leftovers: Place the cooked chicken tenders and fries in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make the food soggy.
• Freezing: Chicken tenders and fries can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer your chicken tenders fried to a crisp or baked for a healthier take, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Pair them with your homemade fries, and you have the perfect combination of crunch and flavor in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!