These chicken fries are crispy, tasty, and perfect for dipping! Made with tender chicken, they’re coated in a golden crunchy batter that makes them hard to resist.
Whenever I’m hungry and need a quick snack, I love grabbing these! They pair great with ketchup or your favorite sauce—just like eating fries but even better! 🍗🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the star ingredient! If you want a leaner option, chicken tenders work well. For a flavor boost, try using chicken thighs—they stay juicier.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crunch. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a unique twist!
Spices: The garlic powder and paprika give great flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices, like cayenne pepper for a kick or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor layer.
Cooking oil: I recommend vegetable or canola oil for frying, but you can also use peanut oil if you like a higher smoke point. Just avoid olive oil, as it isn’t suitable for frying at high temperatures.
How Do You Get Your Chicken Fries Nice and Crispy?
The key to crispy chicken fries is in the breading and frying technique. Make sure to coat each chicken strip thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko. Here are some tips to get that perfect crunch:
- Let the breaded chicken fries rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature, and your fries won’t get crispy.
- Fry in small batches and keep the oil hot, around 350°F (175°C), for best results.
Once they’re golden brown, drain them on paper towels to keep them crispy. Enjoy your homemade chicken fries! 🍗✨
How to Make Chicken Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional: dipping sauces (ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for frying. In total, you’re looking at approximately 30 minutes to enjoy crispy chicken fries straight from your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by slicing the boneless chicken breasts into fry-shaped strips, roughly 1/2 inch thick and 3 to 4 inches long. This shape helps them cook evenly and gives that classic fry look.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. Finally, put the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. This will streamline the coating process!
3. Bread the Chicken Strips:
Take each chicken strip and dip it first into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Make sure to press lightly so the breadcrumbs stick well!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one, to get the right temperature, as this is key for crispy fries!
5. Fry the Chicken Strips:
Carefully place the breaded chicken fries into the hot oil in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this ensures they fry evenly and become crispy! Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy chicken fries to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing the excess oil to drain. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce!
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken fries, perfect for snacking or sharing! 🍗✨
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier version of chicken fries. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and slice them into the same fry-shaped strips for even cooking.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Fries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy again!
What Dipping Sauces Go Best with Chicken Fries?
Chicken fries pair well with a variety of sauces! Classic choices include ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard. Feel free to get creative and try out sriracha mayo or spicy aioli too!