Easy Crispy Chicken Tenders and Fries Recipe
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of chicken tenders and fries. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning a cozy weekend meal, or recreating your favorite fast-food combo at home, this recipe delivers that golden crunch and juicy flavor you love—without the drive-thru. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make restaurant-quality chicken tenders and fries from scratch, with tips for frying, baking, and even using your air fryer.
By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in preparing crispy chicken tenders and golden fries, plus have options for customization, storage tips, and delicious sides to round out your meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tenders and Fries Recipe
This dish checks all the right boxes: it’s quick, family-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy cravings. Here’s why it stands out:
- Easy to Make: No special equipment or rare ingredients required.
- Kid-Approved: A go-to meal that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable: You can spice it up or make it gluten-free.
- Healthier than Takeout: Use your preferred oil, baking method, or air fryer to reduce grease.
Compared to fast food, this homemade version lets you control the quality of ingredients. You get the crispiness and flavor you crave, minus the excess sodium and mystery additives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Tenders
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenders | 1.5 lbs |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1.5 cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
For the Fries
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Russet potatoes | 4 large |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| Salt | To taste |
| Optional seasonings | Paprika, garlic powder |
How to Make Chicken Tenders and Fries (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken
- Rinse and pat dry your chicken tenders.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours for juicier tenders.
Step 2 – Bread and Season
- In separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and panko.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place on a wire rack and let sit for 10 minutes to help coating stick.
Step 3 – Fry or Bake the Tenders
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Fry tenders for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place tenders on a parchment-lined tray. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fry: Cook at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once.
Step 4 – Prepare the Fries
- Peel potatoes and cut into ¼-inch sticks.
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Step 5 – Cook the Fries
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry in batches for 4–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Bake: Toss with oil and seasonings. Bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fry: Cook at 380°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve your chicken tenders and fries hot with your favorite dips:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- BBQ sauce
- Ketchup
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chicken Tenders
- Add cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Dust with chili powder before frying for extra heat.
Gluten-Free Version
- Substitute flour with almond or rice flour.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Loaded Fries
- Top fries with melted cheddar, crumbled bacon, and scallions.
- Add ranch or chipotle mayo for flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked tenders and fries in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
Reheating Tips:
| Method | Time | Notes |
| Oven | 10–12 min at 375°F | Best for crispiness |
| Air Fryer | 5–7 min at 380°F | Retains crunch |
| Microwave | 1–2 min | Fast, but may soften |
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders and Fries
Pair your chicken tenders and fries with:
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Garlic bread
- Corn on the cob
- Simple garden salad
Dipping Sauces to Try:
- Buffalo ranch
- Chipotle mayo
- Sriracha ketchup
Nutrition Breakdown
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| Chicken Tenders (3 pcs) | 220 | 25g | 8g | 10g |
| Fries (1 cup) | 150 | 2g | 22g | 7g |
Tip: For a lighter version, bake instead of frying and serve with a side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken tenders and fries?
Vegetable oil or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points.
How do I make my chicken tenders extra crispy?
Double-dip in egg and panko, and let them rest before frying. Air frying at high heat also helps.
Can I freeze cooked chicken tenders and fries?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely before freezing in sealed containers or bags.
Are chicken tenders and fries healthy?
They can be, especially if baked or air-fried and served with lighter sides.
How do I make air fryer chicken tenders and fries?
Cook tenders at 390°F for 10–12 minutes. Fries at 380°F for 15–20 minutes.
What are the best dipping sauces for chicken tenders?
Popular choices include ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce.
Conclusion: Make This Chicken Tenders and Fries Recipe Tonight
Homemade chicken tenders and fries are easier than you think—and far more satisfying than anything from a drive-thru. With this recipe, you can control the ingredients, adjust the spice level, and even make healthier versions. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry, the result is always golden, crispy, and delicious.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, heat up that oil (or air fryer), and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience tonight.
