Chicken Tenders and Fries

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love? Look no further than easy chicken tenders and fries! This perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders paired with crispy fries is a timeless favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your comfort food cravings or whip up a simple, tasty dish for a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. In this post, we’ll walk you through a homemade chicken tenders recipe, share tips on making the crispy fries just right, and show you how to put it all together for the perfect meal.

Whether you prefer baked chicken tenders, are making them in the air fryer, or want a healthier twist, we’ve got you covered with options that fit any taste or diet. So, let’s dive into this chicken tenders and fries recipe that’s sure to impress!

Recipe Ingredients

Fries Ingredients

The key to crispy fries lies in the right ingredients and preparation methods. Here’s what you need for the perfect fries to accompany your easy chicken tenders:

• Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes for the best fries. They’re starchy, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness. You can also experiment with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist on your fries.
• Cooking oil: You can use vegetable oil or olive oil for frying, or opt for a healthier alternative if baking. If you’re using an air fryer for the fries, a light spray of olive oil will give them a golden, crispy finish without all the fat.
• Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper: These are the seasoning staples that will give your fries their mouthwatering flavor. Garlic powder adds an aromatic touch, while paprika gives them a smoky edge. Salt and pepper balance the flavors perfectly.

Chicken Tenders Ingredients

For the crispy chicken tenders that everyone craves, here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the ideal choice for tenders. They’re easy to cut into strips and cook quickly, making them perfect for a chicken tenders meal.
• Bread crumbs (or panko): Panko breadcrumbs are the best choice for crispy chicken tenders, but regular breadcrumbs can work if you don’t have panko on hand. Panko gives chicken tenders that extra crunch and golden brown color.
• Parmesan cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumbs enhances the flavor and creates a richer, more savory chicken tender coating.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken strips. You’ll need them for the dredging process.
• Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper: These seasonings will elevate the flavor of your chicken tenders. Garlic powder gives a savory punch, paprika adds warmth and color, while salt and pepper are essential for balance.
• Optional: Dipping sauces: A variety of dipping sauces can complement your chicken tenders and fries. Popular choices include classic ketchup, tangy ranch dressing, or sweet honey mustard. You can also create your own unique dipping sauce for an added flair.

How to Make Chicken Tenders with Fries?

Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare easy chicken tenders and crispy fries that are sure to impress.

Making Crispy Fries

Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy fries:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes: Start by peeling your russet potatoes (or leave the skins on for added texture). Cut them into evenly sized strips to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Soak the potatoes: To achieve crispy fries, soak the potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps the fries crisp up when cooked.
3. Season and cook: After draining and patting dry the potato strips, season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, fry them in hot oil for 4-5 minutes or bake at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For crispy fries, bake them for a healthier option.Alternative: If you’re using an air fryer for a quicker preparation, toss the fries with a little oil and air fry them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Preparing Easy Chicken Tenders

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, golden chicken tenders:

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice your chicken breast into strips, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Dredge the chicken: In one bowl, beat your eggs. In another, combine your breadcrumbs (or panko) with the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Cook the chicken:
   • Baked chicken tenders: Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Fried chicken tenders: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy.

Pro Tip: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for fully cooked chicken tenders.

Combining Chicken Tenders and Fries

Now that you have both crispy fries and easy chicken tenders, it’s time to bring everything together for the perfect meal:

1. Cooking together: For a convenient meal, you can cook the chicken tenders and fries simultaneously in the oven or air fryer. This reduces your overall cooking time, making this chicken tenders and fries meal even more efficient for busy weeknights.
2. Air fryer option: For a quicker meal, use the air fryer to cook both the fries and chicken tenders at once. The air fryer will help achieve that golden, crispy texture on both the fries and the chicken, all while cutting down the cooking time.

What to Serve with Chicken Tenders and Fries?

Chicken tenders and fries are already a satisfying meal on their own, but pairing them with some complementary sides and sauces can elevate the dish even further. Here are some great ideas for serving alongside your easy chicken tenders and crispy fries:

Best Side Dishes

To balance out the rich flavors of the chicken tenders meal, you can serve them with these delicious side dishes:

• Fresh salads: A crisp, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy chicken tenders and fries. Consider adding some avocado or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing with chicken tenders and fries, adding a crunchy and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the fried chicken. You can make a traditional coleslaw or try a healthier version with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, are a great option for adding a nutritious element to the meal. Season them with a little garlic and olive oil for extra flavor.
• Dipping sauces: No meal of crispy chicken tenders is complete without a selection of dipping sauces. Classic choices include ketchup, ranch, and honey mustard, but feel free to experiment with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a creamy garlic dip. For healthier options, try dipping in homemade yogurt-based sauces or guacamole.

Serving for Kids

Chicken tenders are a favorite among kids, so it’s essential to serve them in a fun and kid-friendly way. Here are some tips for making the meal even more enjoyable for little ones:

• Easy chicken tenders for kids: Prepare chicken tenders for kids by making them bite-sized and easy to hold. You can cut the tenders into small pieces or serve them on skewers for a fun, hands-on meal.
• Fun ways to serve chicken tenders and fries to children: Turn the meal into a creative experience by arranging the tenders and fries into shapes, such as a smiley face or a fun animal figure. Serve them with a colorful dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch for added excitement.

Comfort Food Pairings

When you’re craving comfort food recipes, there are some classic pairings that will complement your chicken tenders and fries:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect pairing for chicken tenders. The richness of the potatoes complements the crispy texture of the tenders, making for a filling and satisfying meal.
• Corn on the cob: Another classic comfort food to serve with your chicken tenders is corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn adds a nice balance to the savory flavors of the chicken and fries, making it a perfect side for a family-friendly dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tenders and Fries?

If you have leftovers from your chicken tenders and fries meal (which is often the case because it’s so delicious), follow these tips for storing and reheating them to maintain their crispy texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Best practices for storing leftover chicken tenders and fries: After enjoying your meal, allow the chicken tenders and fries to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag to keep them fresh. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing options: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken tenders and fries. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

To bring the chicken tenders and fries back to life without losing their crispy texture, follow these reheating methods:

• How to reheat chicken tenders and fries: To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 375°F. Place the tenders and fries on a baking sheet, making sure they are spread out in a single layer, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
• Air fryer reheating method: For the best crispy chicken tenders and fries, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the tenders and fries for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will help restore their crispiness without drying them out.

Recipe

Equipment

Before getting started with your chicken tenders and fries, make sure you have the necessary kitchen tools:

• Baking sheets: If you’re baking the chicken tenders and fries, you’ll need a baking sheet to place them on while they cook.
• Air fryer: For a quicker, healthier option, you can use an air fryer to cook both the chicken tenders and fries, achieving that golden, crispy texture.
• Deep fryer (optional): If you prefer to fry your tenders and fries, a deep fryer can make the process quicker and more efficient.
• Mixing bowls: Use separate bowls for your egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.

Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your easy chicken tenders and crispy fries:

1. Prepare the chicken tenders: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, then dredge them in the egg mixture and coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Prepare the fries: Peel and cut the potatoes, then soak them to remove excess starch. Season and cook them until crispy.
3. Bake or fry: Bake or fry the chicken tenders and fries, depending on your preference.
4. Combine: Serve the tenders and fries together with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tip: To save time, prepare both the chicken and fries at the same time using an air fryer or a baking sheet for efficient cooking.

Nutrition

When preparing chicken tenders and crispy fries, it’s important to know the nutritional breakdown of each component to make informed decisions about your meal.

Chicken Tenders Nutrition

• Overview of calories and macronutrients: A typical serving of chicken tenders (3 pieces) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on whether they are baked or fried. The macronutrient breakdown is approximately 20-25g of protein, 10-15g of fat, and 20-30g of carbohydrates (if served with fries). Opting for baked chicken tenders rather than fried can reduce the overall fat content and make for a healthier choice.

Fries Nutrition

• Nutrition breakdown for the fries recipe: A serving of fries (about 4 oz) contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the preparation method. If you bake them instead of frying, the calorie count and fat content will be lower. Using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes can also provide additional fiber and vitamins for a healthier alternative.