E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin features crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders paired with golden, seasoned French fries, delivering a satisfying combination of tender, juicy meat and crunchy, flavorful sides.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Mixing bowls
- Meat thermometer
- Food prep table
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Heat lamps (for holding)
- Serving trays
- Portion scoops or cups
- Gloves
- Timer
- Drainage racks
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Russet potatoes
- Seasoned salt
- Ketchup (optional for serving)
When preparing the chicken tenders, marinate them in buttermilk and eggs to ensure they stay tender and juicy after frying. Use a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy, crunchy coating that adheres well to the chicken. Ensure the vegetable oil is heated to the correct temperature in a deep fryer to cook the tenders evenly without becoming greasy. Russet potatoes are the best choice for fries because of their starchy texture, which results in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior when seasoned with seasoned salt. Your homemade E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin copycat menu will capture the signature taste of hand-breaded chicken tenders paired perfectly with golden, flavorful fries.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cut russet potatoes into French fry shapes on cutting board.
- Rinse and soak fries in cold water; drain and pat dry.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Pat chicken tenders dry.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mix.
- Dip dredged chicken tenders in buttermilk-egg mixture.
- Coat chicken tenders in panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully lower chicken tenders into fryer basket using tongs.
- Fry chicken tenders until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 4-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken tenders; drain on rack or paper-lined sheet pan under heat lamp.
- Add dried potato fries to fryer basket.
- Deep fry fries until golden and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove fries and place on drainage rack; season with seasoned salt while hot.
- Arrange chicken tenders and fries on serving tray with portioned ketchup if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin copycat menu offers a delicious blend of crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders with seasoned, golden French fries. You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers for a similar crunchy coating when panko is unavailable. If buttermilk is not on hand, mix milk with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to create an effective marinade that tenderizes the chicken. Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken tenders reach a safe internal temperature of 165degF, preventing undercooking. When frying, maintain oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF for optimal crispiness without excessive grease absorption.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer oil is consistently maintained at 350degF (175degC) for optimal frying results; using a meat thermometer helps verify chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC). When preparing fries, soaking and thoroughly drying russet potatoes prevents sogginess and enhances crispness. Use separate bowls for flour mix, buttermilk-egg mixture, and panko breadcrumbs to maintain coating integrity on chicken tenders. Always drain fried items on racks under heat lamps to preserve their crisp texture before serving your delicious E. Clucks & Fries.
Nutritions
E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin provides a protein-rich meal with hand-breaded chicken tenders cooked to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC), ensuring safety and juiciness. The meal includes russet potato fries, a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, seasoned with salt to enhance flavor. Cooking in vegetable oil adds fat content, primarily unsaturated, contributing to calorie density. By including your preferred ketchup, you can control sugar and sodium intake while enjoying this balanced chicken and fries combination.
Storage
To keep your E. Clucks & Fries fresh, cool leftover chicken tenders and fries to room temperature within two hours, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken tenders in an oven preheated to 375degF (190degC) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness, while fries can be revived on a baking sheet at 400degF (205degC) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may result in soggy textures, compromising the signature crunch of both chicken and fries.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the crispiness of your chicken tenders by adding a small amount of baking powder to the flour mixture, which helps create a lighter, crunchier coating. For a healthier option, consider baking the fries at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying, tossing them midway for even crispness. Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or almond meal to add a unique texture and flavor to your chicken coating. Try marinating the chicken in buttermilk with hot sauce for at least one hour to impart extra tenderness and a subtle spicy kick.
Allergies
The E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and dairy from the buttermilk. If you have allergies to gluten, eggs, or dairy, you should take caution and consider avoiding this dish or consulting with restaurant staff. Your safety is important, especially since cross-contamination can occur during preparation and frying.
Why this recipe?
E. Clucks & Fries from Red Robin features a perfectly crispy chicken with bold seasoning that enhances flavor with every bite. The signature fries provide a satisfying crunch and are seasoned to complement the chicken, making the dish a popular choice among fans. Your taste buds will appreciate the balance of savory spices and textures, which makes the menu item memorable and worth recreating at home. Trying a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without leaving your kitchen.