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Ingredients
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Chicken Tenders
Fries
Dipping Sauce (optional)
Method
Chicken Tenders
Prepare chicken
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and slice each breast into 3–4 even strips (about 3/4" thick) so you have roughly 12 tenders from 1 lb. Pat strips dry with paper towels.
Buttermilk soak
In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk and the egg until combined. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Submerge the chicken strips in the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (can marinate up to 2 hours).
Prepare breading
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. In another shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Bread the tenders
Working in batches, remove a chicken strip from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, coat lightly in the seasoned flour, dip back into the buttermilk briefly, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture until well coated. Place breaded tenders on a wire rack and let rest 5 minutes to set the coating.
Pan-fry the tenders
Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach about 1/4" depth and heat over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Add tenders in a single layer, being careful not to crowd (cook in batches). Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel–lined plate or clean wire rack.
Keep warm
If cooking in batches, keep finished tenders in a warm oven at 200°F on a baking sheet while you finish frying remaining pieces so everything is served hot.
Fries
Season and bake
Toss dried potato sticks with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving space between fries for crisping. Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp at the edges.
Finish
Remove fries from oven, taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately alongside chicken tenders.
Dipping Sauce (optional)
Stir together ketchup and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Serve as a dipping sauce alongside the tenders and fries.