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Three Delicious Chicken Tenders and Fries Recipes: Fried, Baked, and Air-Fried

Chicken Tenders and Fries

Lucas
Enjoy delicious chicken tenders and fries with three easy recipes. Perfectly crispy and full of flavor, these dishes are a comfort food classic.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

Recipe 1: Classic Fried Chicken Tenders with Golden Fries

Chicken Tenders Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts cut into tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Fries Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Recipe 2: Baked Chicken Tenders with Herb-Seasoned Fries

Chicken Tenders Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts cut into tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs use whole wheat for a healthier option

Fries Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe 3: Air-Fried Chicken Tenders and Sweet Potato Fries

Chicken Tenders Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts cut into tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Recipe 1: Classic Fried Chicken Tenders with Golden Fries

    For the Chicken Tenders:

    • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
    • Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
    • Coat the Tenders: Remove the chicken from the marinade. Dip each tender into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating.
    • Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
    • Fry the Tenders: Cook the tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Drain and Serve: Remove the tenders using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm.

    For the Fries:

    • Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water and pat them dry.
    • Season and Coat: Toss the potatoes with vegetable oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
    • Fry the Potatoes: Fry in batches in the same skillet at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
    • Drain and Serve: Drain on paper towels and season with extra salt, if desired. Serve with the tenders.

    Recipe 2: Baked Chicken Tenders with Herb-Seasoned Fries

      For the Chicken Tenders:

      • Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix buttermilk, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, coat well, and marinate for 1 hour.
      • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Coat the Tenders: Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece in breadcrumbs.
      • Bake the Tenders: Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil for added crispiness. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

      For the Herb-Seasoned Fries:

      • Prepare the Potatoes: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
      • Season and Arrange: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
      • Bake the Fries: Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
      • Serve Together: Serve the baked tenders and fries hot, with your favorite dipping sauces.

      Recipe 3: Air-Fried Chicken Tenders and Sweet Potato Fries

        For the Chicken Tenders:

        • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for 1 hour.
        • Prepare the Breading: Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
        • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
        • Cook the Tenders: Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

        For the Sweet Potato Fries:

        • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
        • Air-Fry the Fries: Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
        • Serve Immediately: Plate the air-fried chicken tenders and sweet potato fries together. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

        Notes

        • Calories: 430 kcal
        • Protein: 28g
        • Carbohydrates: 35g
        • Fat: 16g
        • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
        • Cholesterol: 90mg
        • Sodium: 600mg
        • Fiber: 5g
        • Sugar: 6g
         Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands, exact measurements, and portion sizes. For those following specific dietary needs, consider using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
        Keyword Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Fried Chicken, Golden Fries