Chicken Tendies and Tots Recipe
This Chicken Tendies and Tots recipe from Griddle Nation brings Nate Lippy and CJ Fraizer together at the griddle to create a dish that is approachable, fun, and packed with flavor. Featuring crispy chicken tenderloins and golden tater tots, this recipe is designed for home cooks who want big results without overcomplicating dinner. Highlighting the show’s signature style of high-heat cooking, bold flavor, and comfort food nostalgia, it’s perfect for casual meals or entertaining.
The Inspiration
On Griddle Nation, Nate and CJ take viral internet recipes and test them on the griddle to see how they hold up under high heat. This Chicken Tendies and Tots recipe is inspired by classic comfort food, reimagined with griddle techniques to enhance crispiness, flavor, and presentation. The combination of tender, breaded chicken and golden tater tots creates a familiar yet elevated dish that resonates with viewers and home cooks alike. By combining crowd-pleasing flavors with easy-to-follow steps, Nate and CJ deliver a recipe that balances nostalgia with the excitement of griddle cooking.
Ingredients
- 10 Pieces Chicken Tenderloins
- Graza Sizzle Cooking Oil
- 2C All Purpose Flour
- 4 Eggs
- 2C Panko Breadcrumbs
- 28oz. Frozen Bag of Tator Tots
- Blackstone All Purpose Seasoning
- Blackstone SPG Seasoning
- Rach and Ketchup for Dipping
Methods
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Allow 10-15 minutes, or until the surface darkens and light smoke appears
- Add flour to a shallow tray and season, add eggs to a 2nd shallow tray and whisk, add panko to a 3rd shallow tray and season.
- Meanwhile, dredge the chicken tendies by starting out in the flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs. Ensure each layer coats thoroughly and set aside.
- Add a pool of Graza Sizzle oil to griddle and place down chicken tendies. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once chicken is fully cooked through, pull and rest on paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately season with SPG.
- Add Sizzle oil to griddle and tator tots. Season with All Purpose Seasoning and toss to combine. Let cook 4-5 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
- Plate Together and serve with side of ketchup and ranch.
Serving Suggestions
Nate and CJ’s Chicken Tendies and Tots are perfect for lunch or dinner when you want a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. They pair well with simple sides like a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the fried chicken and tots. For casual entertaining, serve family-style so guests can grab what they want while enjoying dipping sauces on the side. This recipe is also ideal for game days, backyard gatherings, or weeknight dinners where convenience and flavor are key. The griddle cooking method ensures everything stays moving, making it easy to cook for a crowd while keeping the chicken crispy and tots golden.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tendies and Tots recipe from Nate Lippy and CJ Fraizer is a celebration of griddle-cooked comfort food. The combination of tender, breaded chicken and perfectly golden tater tots creates a dish that is both familiar and satisfying, appealing to all ages. Whether preparing a casual weeknight meal or entertaining friends and family, this recipe delivers bold flavor, crispy textures, and an approachable cooking method. Every bite combines nostalgia with high-heat griddle technique, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to recreate at home.
For more information, check out the Griddle Nation website.