These crispy chicken fries are the perfect snack for any day! With their crunchy outside and juicy inside, they are super yummy and fun to eat.
I love dipping them in my favorite sauces—ketchup or honey mustard work great! They’re so easy to make; it’s like having a fast-food treat right at home. 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breast tenders are excellent for this recipe. You can also cut regular chicken breasts into strips. For a healthier option, consider using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Buttermilk: This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These create a super crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular bread crumbs will work too, but the texture might be a bit less crunchy. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a different twist!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor to the coating. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give a nice flavor boost. Feel free to mix them up! You can add Italian seasoning or even chili powder for something different.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken Fries?
The key to crispy chicken fries is all in the preparation and frying technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the meat tender and helps the coating stick better.
- Use a good amount of panko bread crumbs. This creates that delightful crunch! Press the crumbs onto each strip for an even better coating.
- Heat the oil well. Getting it to 350°F (175°C) ensures the fries cook quickly. A hot oil also keeps the coating from absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy fries. Fry in batches for the best results.
Follow these tips, and your chicken fries will be crisp and golden every time!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Fries:
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders or chicken breasts cut into fry-sized strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
- Ketchup or dipping sauce of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to fry the chicken. Plus, you’ll want to let the chicken soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, so plan for about 1 hour total before you can enjoy your delicious chicken fries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you’re using whole chicken breasts, start by slicing them into long strips about 1/2 inch thick. This will give them that fry shape we’re looking for. If using tenders, you can skip this step since they’re already in the right shape!
2. Soak in Buttermilk:
In a large bowl, pour in the buttermilk and add the chicken strips. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and allows the coating to stick better when we’re frying.
3. Make the Coating:
In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the flour, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. This is your crunchy coating mixture!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has soaked, take each strip out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to make sure it’s well-coated. Set the coated chicken fries on a plate or tray.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or large skillet, heat about 1 to 1.5 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the breadcrumb mixture in; it should sizzle right away!
6. Fry the Chicken Fries:
Carefully place the coated chicken fries in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for about 3-4 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they are done when they look crispy and golden!
7. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken fries from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the chicken fries warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like. Pair them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for the best snacking experience!
Enjoy your crispy, golden chicken fries that are crunchy on the outside and juicy inside! 🥳🍟
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even turkey breast if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Fries?
Store any leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes for a crispy texture again.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated chicken fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
