Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries

If you’re looking for a classic comfort meal that both kids and adults love, these Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries are the perfect choice. Golden and crunchy on the outside with juicy chicken on the inside, paired with crispy fries, this dish is a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a delicious snack or a full meal, this recipe delivers satisfying flavors that are simple to make and always a hit. Baking the chicken tenders gives them that perfect crisp without the excess oil, while the homemade fries are a crispy and comforting addition. Together, they create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for an added layer of flavor, and you’ll have a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also a breeze to make. The crispy breading on the chicken gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the tender, juicy chicken inside is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The homemade fries are golden and crispy, providing the perfect side dish to complement the tenders. Best of all, the oven-baked chicken is a healthier alternative to frying, while the fries offer that classic deep-fried crunch without the mess. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a party, or just because you’re in the mood for comfort food, this dish has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders
• Flour
• Eggs
• Bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Potatoes
• Cooking oil

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the bread crumbs for a spicy kick. You can also dip the chicken in hot sauce before breading for extra heat.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to create a healthier, slightly sweet alternative to traditional fries.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, like rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Baked Fries: Instead of frying, you can bake the fries for a lighter option. Just toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then bake at 400°F until golden and crispy.
• Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs for an extra savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2:

Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning will bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

Step 3:

Set up a breading station. Place the flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and bread crumbs in a third. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.

Step 4:

Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer, without overlapping, for even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5:

While the chicken is baking, prepare the fries. Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips, resembling fries. You can adjust the size of the fries to your preference.

Step 6:

Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the potato fries in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the fries are golden brown and crispy, then remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Season with salt immediately.

Step 7:

Serve the crispy chicken tenders with the fries. You can also add dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crispiness Tip: To make sure your chicken tenders are crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give them space to cook evenly and crisp up.
• Potato Tips: For the crispiest fries, make sure to fry the potatoes in batches. This allows them to cook evenly without getting soggy.
• Even Coating: Ensure that each chicken tender is evenly coated in flour, egg, and bread crumbs. This helps create a crunchy outer layer that holds up well during baking.
• Oil Temperature: For the perfect fried fries, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the fries may become greasy instead of crispy.
• Frozen Fries: If you’re short on time, you can always use store-bought frozen fries for convenience. They can be baked or fried depending on your preference.

How to Serve

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries can be served as a complete meal on their own or paired with side dishes like a fresh salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables for added nutrition. Serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for a fun twist. They are also great for meal prepping, as you can store the chicken and fries in airtight containers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the chicken tenders and fries on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Freezing:

You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders and fries for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven until crispy.

Reheating:

For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken tenders and fries in the oven at 375°F. This helps to maintain their crunchy texture. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut boneless chicken breasts into strips to make your own chicken tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Toss them in a little oil and season with salt for extra crispiness.

3. Can I use sweet potatoes for the fries?

Absolutely! Sweet potato fries are a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to cook.

4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?

Ensure the chicken tenders are well-coated in each step—flour, egg, and bread crumbs. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow the tenders to cook evenly.

5. Can I use pre-made frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just bake or air-fry them according to the package instructions.

6. How do I make the fries extra crispy?

To make the fries extra crispy, you can double fry them. Fry them once, remove from the oil, and fry them again for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Can I add seasoning to the bread crumbs?

Yes, feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs as a substitute for the regular ones to make this dish gluten-free.

9. How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?

The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. Can I serve the chicken tenders with other sides?

Yes, chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Tenders with Fries are a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering, or a casual weeknight meal, this dish is easy to make and always a hit. The crispy chicken tenders paired with golden, crispy fries create a classic combination that everyone loves. Plus, the dish can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.

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