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A plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders served with a side of seasoned French fries and a creamy dipping sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Chicken Tenders and Fries

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 serving
Calories 666 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet: For crisping up the fries.
  • Large Cast-Iron Skillet or High-Sided Frying Pan: Ideal for frying the chicken.
  • 2 Large Bowls: One for the dry ingredients and one for the egg wash.
  • Tongs: For safe handling of hot chicken tenders and fries.

Ingredients
  

For the Fries:

  • 1 ½ lbs 650 g Potatoes: Use all-purpose or semi-waxy varieties (like Yukon Gold) for the perfect balance of starch.
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • ½ Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Sweet Paprika Powder: Use a hotter variety if you prefer a bit of heat.

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 2 lbs 900 g Chicken Tenders: Alternatively known as chicken tenderloins; you can also use sliced chicken breast.
  • 1 ½ Cups 180 g Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Sweet Paprika Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 2 Eggs: Beaten in a separate bowl.
  • 1 Cup Vegetable Oil ≈250 ml: Or as needed, for deep frying.

Instructions
 

Fries Preparation:

  • Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil.
  • Peel and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Slice them uniformly into ¼-inch thick sticks. Place these slices in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes to help remove extra starch. After soaking, allow them to air-dry or use clean towels to remove moisture.
  • Return the potato slices to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then add fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sweet paprika.
  • Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then turn them over and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes until the edges turn crisp and they develop a golden-brown color.

Chicken Tenders Preparation:

  • In a sizable bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are completely smooth.
  • Initial Coating: Lightly dust each chicken tender in the dry mixture, shaking off any extra flour.
  • Egg Dip: Next, submerge the floured chicken into the egg mixture to achieve a consistent coat.
  • Second Coating: Finally, return the chicken back to the dry mixture and gently press to secure an even layer.
  • Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 5 minutes so that the batter sets well before frying.

Cooking Process:

  • Pour approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large frying pan or skillet and heat it until it reaches a stable temperature of 365–375°F (185–190°C). (Using a thermometer here is advisable for accurate measurement.)
  • Using tongs, carefully place 5–6 chicken tenders in the heated oil at a time, ensuring the pan isn’t overcrowded. Fry them for a total of 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to develop a uniformly golden crust. To check for doneness, cut into one piece; the meat should be opaque and white, indicating an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to eliminate any excess oil.

Notes

Potato Choice: All-purpose or semi-waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) work best for these fries.
Oil Considerations: The exact amount of oil may vary depending on your pan size; aim for about 2 inches depth when frying the chicken.
Alternative Proteins: If you prefer, you can use chicken breast sliced into strips instead of tenders.
Parchment Option: When baking fries, parchment paper can be used—but lightly oil it first for optimal crispiness
Keyword Chicken Tenders and Fries, crispy chicken, Fries