Marinate the chicken: Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mix. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for extra flavor.

Set up your breading station: In one bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another, whisk the eggs until smooth. Lastly, in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the chicken: Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, letting the excess liquid drip off. Dip it into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is fully covered in breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.

Slice the potatoes: Wash and peel the russet potatoes (if you prefer). Cut them into thin, even strips to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Soak in water: To remove excess starch and make your fries crispier, soak the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for perfect fries.

Season the fries: After draining and patting the potatoes dry, toss them in olive oil, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder (optional). This gives them that perfect, savory flavor.

Heat the oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil, and it should brown in about 60 seconds.

Fry the chicken: Gently place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Fry the fries: While the chicken is frying, carefully lower the fries into the oil. Fry them in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Optional: Bake or Air Fry the Fries:

If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake or air fry the fries instead of frying them in oil. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the seasoned fries with a bit of olive oil and bake or air fry for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.