Go Back
Fried Chicken Tenders with Crispy Sage Potatoes and Basil Cream Sauce

Fried Chicken Tenders with Crispy Sage Potatoes & Basil Cream Sauce

Print Recipe
Crispy fried chicken tenders served with golden roasted sage potatoes and a creamy basil herb sauce.
Course Chicken, Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, comforting dinners, kid friendly
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried oregano

Breading

  • cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp kosher salt

For Frying

  • Avocado oil or light olive oil for frying

Basil Cream Sauce

  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil
  • ¼ cup packed fresh dill
  • ½ tbsp honey
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp fresh lemon juice

Crispy Sage Potatoes

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 3 tbsp sea salt or 4 tbsp kosher salt for the boiling water
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs chicken tenders, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tsp dried oregano. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • To make the basil cream sauce, add ½ cup yogurt, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup basil, ¼ cup dill, ½ tbsp honey, 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Fill a large pot with water and add 3 tbsp sea salt or 4 tbsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and boil for 8 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and allow them to steam dry for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp sage, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ cup olive oil. Toss vigorously to rough up the edges.
  • Spread the potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. Flip and roast for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until deeply golden and crispy.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and 2 tsp kosher salt.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade. Coat each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the breading adheres well.
  • Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to 390°F (199°C).
  • Carefully add the chicken. The oil temperature should drop to around 360°F (182°C).
  • Fry for 3 minutes without disturbing. Start moving the tenders around gently in the hot oil to cook them evenly, one more minute.
  • Flip and continue frying for 4 more minutes, gently moving the tenders as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Transfer the chicken to a paper towel lined plate if serving immediately. If holding for later, place on a wire rack and keep warm in a 300°F (149°C) oven.
  • Serve the fried chicken tenders with the crispy sage potatoes, basil cream sauce, and a simple green salad.

Notes

  • Let the potatoes steam dry before adding the oil for the crispiest texture.
  • Roughing up the potatoes before roasting creates extra crispy edges.
  • Use a thermometer and adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil around 360°F (182°C).
  • Once the oil has cooled completely, strain and store it for future frying.
QR Code linking back to recipe