How to Make Perfect Chicken Tenders with Fries: Tips and Recipes

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

What Are Chicken Tenders with Fries?

Chicken tenders with fries have become a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. This classic combination pairs crispy, golden-brown chicken strips with a side of perfectly cooked fries, making it a go-to meal for casual dining, takeout, and home cooking. The dish is celebrated for its simplicity, yet it delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that never fails to delight.

At its core, chicken tenders with fries consist of tender, breaded chicken strips that are either deep-fried or oven-baked until they achieve a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Chicken tenders, often referred to as “strips” or “fingers,” are typically made from the tenderloin portion of the chicken, which is known for its natural tenderness and mild flavor. This cut of chicken allows the dish to remain juicy and flavorful, even after cooking.

On the side, crispy fries serve as the perfect accompaniment. Whether you prefer thin-cut, crinkle-cut, or steak fries, they complement the chicken tenders with their savory, salty goodness. Fries can be seasoned with classic salt or dressed up with spices, herbs, or cheese for added flair.

This dish’s universal appeal lies in its versatility. It can be served as a snack, a meal, or even a party platter, making it a staple in restaurants and households alike. To complete your meal, consider pairing chicken tenders with fries with a delightful dessert like our “Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe“. The combination of chicken tenders with fries is more than just a meal—it’s a timeless favorite.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Tenders with Fries

To prepare the perfect chicken tenders with fries, it’s essential to focus on quality ingredients that deliver the best flavor and texture. This dish relies on simple, readily available components that come together to create a delicious meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Tenders

1. Chicken Tenderloins
   The star of the dish, chicken tenderloins, are prized for their tenderness and mild flavor. You can also use chicken breasts sliced into strips as an alternative.
2. Flour
   A base for coating, flour ensures the chicken tenders achieve a light, crispy crust.
3. Eggs
   Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, helping the coating stick to the chicken effectively.
4. Breadcrumbs or Panko
   For an extra crunchy texture, breadcrumbs or panko are essential. They can be plain or seasoned, depending on your preference.
5. Spices and Seasonings
   Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper are common seasonings that add depth to the chicken’s flavor.

Ingredients for Fries

1. Potatoes
   Fresh, starchy potatoes like Russet are ideal for making fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
2. Oil for Frying
   Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are best for frying both the chicken and fries.
3. Salt
   Classic table salt or sea salt enhances the fries’ natural flavor.

Optional Additions

• Dipping Sauces: Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch elevate the meal.
• Herbs: Parsley or thyme can be sprinkled over the fries for a gourmet touch.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness to the fries.

By starting with these essential ingredients, you’ll have everything needed to create the iconic chicken tenders with fries that everyone loves.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Tenders with Fries

Preparing chicken tenders with fries at home is straightforward with this simple process to achieve perfectly crispy results.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools
Ensure all ingredients and tools are ready, including chicken tenderloins, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, seasonings, potatoes, oil, and salt. Have mixing bowls, a frying pan or fryer, a baking sheet, and tongs available.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Slice chicken breasts into even strips if not using tenderloins. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko, seasoned lightly. Coat each strip in flour, dip in eggs, and cover with breadcrumbs, pressing firmly for an even coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Fries
Wash and peel potatoes, cutting them into your desired fry shape. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, ensuring crispier results. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in small batches for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Cook the Fries
Fry potatoes at 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes to soften. Let them rest, then fry again at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy. Season immediately with salt.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the chicken tenders with fries alongside dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or ketchup for a delicious meal. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan for added flair.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders with Fries

Mastering chicken tenders with fries is easier with a few expert tips to elevate your cooking and ensure consistent results every time.

Choose Quality Ingredients
Always use fresh chicken tenderloins for the best texture and flavor. If unavailable, slice chicken breasts into uniform strips. For fries, opt for starchy potatoes like Russet for the crispiest finish.

Season Layers for Maximum Flavor
Add seasoning to each breading layer (flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs). This ensures the chicken tenders with fries are flavorful in every bite, not just on the surface.

Double-Coat for Extra Crunch
For even crispier chicken, dip the strips in eggs and breadcrumbs twice. This second coating creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

Soak and Dry Potatoes Thoroughly
Soaking potatoes removes excess starch, leading to crispier fries. Dry them completely before frying to avoid oil splatter and uneven cooking.

Use the Right Oil Temperature
Maintain consistent oil temperature for both chicken and fries. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep oil at 350°F (175°C) for chicken and 375°F (190°C) for the final fry on potatoes.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping, ensuring even cooking and crisp results. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tenders and fries.

Keep Fries Warm
After frying, keep fries warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) while preparing other batches. This prevents them from losing their crispness.

Experiment with Dips
Elevate your meal with unique dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or honey barbecue. Adding a variety of sauces keeps your chicken tenders with fries exciting every time.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Tenders with Fries

Proper storage and reheating methods can help maintain the quality of your chicken tenders with fries, ensuring they remain flavorful and crispy even after being stored.

Storing Chicken Tenders

• Allow chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. Placing hot food in a container can cause condensation, leading to sogginess.
• Store the tenders in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storing Fries

• Like chicken, let fries cool completely before storing.
• Place them in a paper towel-lined container to prevent excess moisture buildup.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Fries don’t freeze as well as chicken due to their texture, but you can freeze them if needed.

Reheating Chicken Tenders

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange tenders on a baking sheet with a wire rack for even reheating. Bake for 10–15 minutes until they are crispy and heated through. For smaller portions, use an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

Reheating Fries

• Reheat fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• An air fryer is ideal for restoring crispness; heat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as fries will become soft and lose their crunch.

By following these tips, you can enjoy chicken tenders with fries as if they were freshly made!

Conclusion: Why You Will Love Chicken Tenders with Fries

There’s a reason why chicken tenders with fries are a universally loved dish—they bring together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a family dinner, or a party favorite, this classic combo delivers satisfaction every time.

You’ll love the way the crispy, golden coating on the chicken tenders locks in the juicy, tender meat. Every bite bursts with seasoned perfection, making it hard to stop at just one. Paired with the salty, crispy goodness of fries, the dish offers a harmonious blend of crunch and savoriness that is undeniably comforting.

What makes chicken tenders with fries even more appealing is their versatility. You can tailor the dish to your taste by experimenting with seasonings, breading styles, or even trying baked or air-fried versions for a healthier twist. Add a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy barbecue, and you’ll never tire of the endless flavor combinations.

Beyond its taste, this dish is easy to prepare and universally appreciated by both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or craving comfort food on a quiet night, chicken tenders with fries fit the occasion perfectly. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, it’s no wonder this meal remains a timeless favorite for so many.

Chicken Tenders with Fries

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• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This easy recipe for chicken tenders with fries delivers crispy, golden chicken and perfectly seasoned fries every time. A delicious, family-friendly meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or sliced chicken breast)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Fries:

• 4 medium Russet potatoes
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken tenderloins with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Set Up the Breading Station: Fill three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside.
• Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
• Cook the Fries: Fry potatoes in two stages: 325°F (160°C) for 5 minutes to soften, then 375°F (190°C) until crispy and golden.
• Serve: Arrange chicken tenders with fries on a plate. Add dipping sauces like ketchup or honey mustard, and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a healthier version, bake or air fry the tenders and fries.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g

Keywords: Chicken tenders with fries, crispy chicken tenders, homemade fries, family dinner

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