The Tenders Meal from Pollo Campero features juicy, hand-breaded chicken tenders paired with crispy golden fries and a side of tangy dipping sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying crispy comfort food experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Bread crumb station
- Sauce containers
- Serving trays
- Food thermometer
- Sheet pans
- Heat lamps
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cooling racks
- French fry cutter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Salt (for fries)
- For Tangy Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Make sure to properly measure and mix the dry seasonings--paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and oregano--into the flour and cornstarch mixture to achieve the authentic Pollo Campero flavor. Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast tenders and soak them thoroughly in the buttermilk and egg mixture to ensure the coating adheres well and the chicken remains juicy. Choose russet potatoes for fries due to their perfect starch content, which provides a crisp exterior and fluffy interior when fried. Maintain the vegetable oil at 350degF using a food thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked tenders. Your Tenders Meal from Pollo Campero copycat menu will deliver crispy, flavorful chicken paired with golden fries and a tangy dipping sauce that captures the original taste.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and set up heat lamps.
- Cut chicken into tenders using a cutting board and chef’s knife.
- Set up bread crumb station: place flour, cornstarch, spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, oregano) in one mixing bowl; whisk buttermilk and eggs in another; place panko in a third.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk/egg wash, and coat with panko.
- Arrange breaded tenders on sheet pans with cooling racks.
- Cut russet potatoes using French fry cutter into fries; soak in water with white vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Drain and dry fries.
- Fry chicken tenders in small batches for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Place cooked tenders on cooling racks under heat lamps.
- Fry potatoes in batches until crispy and golden; drain on cooling racks and season with salt.
- Mix all tangy dipping sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and transfer to sauce containers.
- Arrange tenders and fries on serving trays with dipping sauce on the side.
Substitution
The Tenders Meal from Pollo Campero copycat menu delivers a perfect blend of crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders with golden fries and tangy dipping sauce, replicating the signature flavors. If fresh chicken tenders are unavailable, you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. For frying, vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil also works well. When preparing the fries, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch and achieves optimum crispiness. To ensure your tenders are safely cooked, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC).
Tips
Ensure your chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to guarantee safe consumption without drying them out. Soaking cut fries in water with white vinegar for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries after frying. Dredge the tenders in the flour and spice mixture before dipping in buttermilk and coating with panko for a well-adhered, crunchy crust. Use heat lamps to keep cooked tenders warm and crispy while frying remaining batches to maintain optimal texture and flavor for your meal.
Nutritions
The Tenders Meal provides a balance of protein from 2 lbs of chicken breast tenders, offering essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and overall health. The hand-breaded coating uses 4 cups of panko breadcrumbs and a blend of spices, contributing minimal added fat but adding flavor and texture. Russet potatoes are cut fresh and fried to golden crispness, providing carbohydrates for energy along with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to enhance their texture and flavor. Your meal also includes a tangy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and spices, adding extra calories mostly from fats; portion control is key to managing overall nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders and fries in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat tenders in an oven at 350degF (175degC) to restore crispiness without drying them out. Keep the tangy dipping sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator to preserve flavor and texture; avoid freezing to prevent separation.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken tenders with turkey breast strips for a leaner protein option while maintaining the same breading and frying technique. To add a spicy kick, mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture or the dipping sauce. For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded tenders and fries on sheet pans at 400degF (200degC) until crispy, turning once halfway through. Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the dipping sauce to brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch.
Allergies
The Tenders Meal contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from buttermilk and mayonnaise, and wheat from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Cross-contamination with other ingredients during preparation is possible, so inform your server if you have a food allergy. You should exercise caution if you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Pollo Campero's Tenders Meal menu is popular for its crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a perfect blend of seasoning, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The meal includes complementary sides like seasoned fries and a refreshing drink, creating a balanced and flavorful dining experience. You will find that attempting a copycat recipe lets you customize flavors while capturing the essence of this beloved dish in your own kitchen. This makes it an affordable and rewarding option for fans of internationally inspired comfort food.