The Tenders Basket from PDQ features crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders seasoned to perfection, served alongside a side of crunchy fries and a tangy dipping sauce, offering a satisfying mix of savory flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Baking sheets or trays
- Sauce cups/ramekins
- Serving baskets or plates
- Heat lamp or warming station
- Mixing bowls
- Wire cooling rack
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb (450g) russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for fries)
- Salt (for seasoning fries)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
When preparing chicken tenders, selecting fresh, high-quality tenders ensures optimal tenderness and flavor. Using panko breadcrumbs provides a crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, enhancing the texture. For the fries, russet potatoes yield the best results due to their starchy content, and adding cornstarch can help achieve extra crispiness. Your dipping sauce benefits from a balance of tangy, smoky, and creamy ingredients, crucial for replicating the distinctive flavor. This Tenders Basket from PDQ copycat menu offers a perfect blend of crispy chicken tenders, golden fries, and a flavorful sauce, capturing the essence of the original dish.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut russet potatoes into fry shapes; soak in cold water.
- Prepare breading stations:
- a. Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne.
- b. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
- c. Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
- Dredge chicken tenders: flour mixture → egg mixture → breadcrumbs.
- Place breaded chicken on a baking tray with a wire rack.
- Remove fries from water, pat dry, toss with cornstarch if using.
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden, about 3–4 min; drain on wire rack, season with salt.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 6–8 min until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C); drain on rack under heat lamp.
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to make sauce; pour into ramekins.
- Arrange chicken tenders and fries in serving baskets or plates; serve with sauce.
Substitution
The Tenders Basket from PDQ copycat menu replicates the restaurant's signature crispy chicken tenders paired with golden fries and a tangy dipping sauce. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tang and tenderizing effect. For frying, vegetable oil is preferred, but canola or peanut oil are suitable alternatives for high-heat cooking. When preparing fries, adding cornstarch before frying helps create an extra crispy texture, but you can skip this step if desired. Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for food safety.
Tips
Make sure to pat your potato fries completely dry before frying to avoid oil splatters and achieve maximum crispiness; tossing fries with cornstarch can further enhance their crunch. Monitor the oil temperature closely at 350degF (175degC) for consistent cooking and prevent soggy tenders or greasy fries. Use a food thermometer to confirm chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure safe consumption. Your dipping sauce benefits from resting briefly to let the flavors meld, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Nutritions
The Tenders Basket provides a hearty serving of chicken tenders and fries, combining protein and carbohydrates essential for energy and muscle repair. Each tender offers a good amount of protein from the chicken, seasoned with spices that add flavor without added calories. The fries contribute carbohydrates and some dietary fiber, especially if russet potatoes with skins are used. Your meal also includes a tangy dipping sauce, which, while flavorful, adds fats and sugars, so portion control is key to balancing nutrition.
Storage
To maintain the crispy texture of your Tenders Basket, store the chicken tenders and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tenders in a 375degF (190degC) oven on a wire rack for 10-12 minutes and the fries on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes to restore crunchiness. Your dipping sauce should be refrigerated in a sealed container and used within 5 days for optimal flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense fry option. Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight to add extra tang and heat to your crust. For a crispy coating, try mixing crushed cornflakes with the breadcrumbs before breading. Bake the tenders on a sheet pan at 425degF (220degC) if you prefer a healthier option without deep frying.
Allergies
The Tenders Basket contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs), and mustard in the dipping sauce, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to check ingredient labels or consult with the restaurant before consuming. Cross-contamination with other allergens is also possible during preparation, so informing the staff about your allergy is recommended for your safety.
Why this recipe?
PDQ restaurant's Tenders Basket is loved for its perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders paired with flavorful dipping sauces, creating a satisfying meal experience. The menu offers fresh, high-quality ingredients and a balanced combination of textures and flavors that appeal to a wide audience. Your attempt to make the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this popular dish at home, saving money while enjoying a customized, restaurant-quality meal. Experimenting with the recipe can also enhance your cooking skills and bring the same delicious satisfaction found at PDQ directly to your kitchen.