Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ features tender, juicy chicken strips breaded to a golden crisp, served with a side of crispy fries and a fresh fruit cup, offering a delicious and balanced meal perfect for young appetites.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Sheet pans
- Food thermometer
- Heat lamp/holding station
- Serving trays/plates
- Portion cups
- Fruit peeler/corer
- French fry cutter
- Gloves
- Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 pint strawberries
- 1 cup seedless grapes
- 1 apple
Using fresh, high-quality chicken tenders weighing around 1 lb (450g) ensures juiciness and tenderness in your meal. Seasoning with a balanced mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhances flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Potato choice is crucial for crispy fries; russet potatoes are ideal due to their starch content and texture. Fresh fruit like strawberries, seedless grapes, and apples should be ripe and washed thoroughly to provide a refreshing balance to the fried components. Your Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ copycat menu will delight young appetites with perfectly breaded chicken strips, golden fries, and a wholesome fruit cup.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Wash hands and wear gloves.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut potatoes into fries using french fry cutter.
- Rinse fries in cold water and pat dry.
- Set up breading station: bowl of flour, bowl of beaten eggs, bowl of panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko.
- Carefully place breaded chicken tenders in fryer basket.
- Fry tenders in hot oil for 5–6 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and drain on sheet pan lined with paper towels; keep warm under heat lamp.
- Add fries to fryer basket; fry for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries and drain on paper towels; season with a pinch of salt.
- Wash fruit thoroughly.
- Hull and halve strawberries.
- Halve grapes.
- Core and slice apple; toss with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
- Portion fruit into portion cups.
- Arrange chicken tenders, fries, and fruit cup on serving tray/plate.
- Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Substitution
Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ copycat menu offers a kid-friendly combination of crispy chicken tenders, fries, and fresh fruit. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute to maintain crunchiness. Russet potatoes are ideal for fries due to their starch content, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well if you prefer a creamier texture. When frying, ensure the oil temperature stays around 350degF (175degC) to achieve golden, non-greasy tenders. You can easily swap the fruit cup ingredients based on seasonality or your child's preferences without compromising the meal's nutritional balance.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer maintains a consistent temperature of 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy, golden crust on chicken tenders and fries without overcooking. Use a food thermometer to verify chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Rinse and thoroughly dry fries before frying to prevent oil splatters and achieve optimal crispiness. When preparing fruit cups, washing and properly cutting fresh fruit not only enhances safety but also encourages kids to enjoy a balanced meal alongside protein and carbs.
Nutritions
Your Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The chicken tenders deliver lean protein essential for growing muscles, while the russet potato fries supply energy-rich carbohydrates and some dietary fiber. The fresh fruit cup, featuring strawberries, grapes, and apple slices, adds vital antioxidants, vitamins C and A, and natural sugars for a nutritious finish. This combination supports a child's energy needs and overall health with a tasty appeal.
Storage
Store cooked chicken tenders and fries in a warming station set at 140degF (60degC) to maintain crispiness and food safety until served. Keep the fresh fruit cup refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Your meal will stay delicious when these storage guidelines are followed promptly after cooking and preparation.
Variation or Alternatives
For a healthier variation, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes instead of deep frying, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC). Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for fries to add more vitamins and fiber, cutting them into equal-sized strips for even cooking. You can also substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or whole wheat breadcrumbs for added texture and nutritional value. To make the fruit cup more seasonal, include fruits like blueberries, mandarin oranges, or kiwi slices, depending on availability.
Allergies
The Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ contains common allergens such as eggs and wheat found in the breading ingredients like all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. The meal also includes fruit options like strawberries and apples, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If You have known sensitivities to these ingredients, it's important to take precautions before enjoying this meal.
Why this recipe?
People enjoy the Kids Chicken Tenders Meal from PDQ due to its perfectly crispy, juicy tenders made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that appeal to both children and parents. The meal offers a balanced combination of protein and kid-friendly sides, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious option. You'll appreciate how replicating this recipe at home allows control over seasoning and ingredient quality, promoting healthier, customizable meals. Recreating this favorite dish encourages family bonding and saves money compared to dining out.