These Crispy Chicken Fries are perfect for snack time! Easy to make, they have a delicious crunchy coating that makes every bite a joy. Great for dipping in your favorite sauce!
I love serving them at parties; they vanish in no time! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a tasty way to eat chicken? You might find yourself craving these crispy bites again and again! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for easy slicing and frying. You can use chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just remember that thighs might need a slightly longer cooking time.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have any, plain yogurt or a mix of milk with a splash of vinegar can do the trick. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it’ll sour up nicely!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken its crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also try crushed cornflakes for an interesting twist!
Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds a great crunch. If you want to skip it, just increase the amount of panko breadcrumbs instead. It still works well without cornmeal.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Chicken Fries?
Achieving that crispy crust can be tricky, but these tips will help you succeed. The key rests in the coating process and frying temperature.
- Double breading is the secret: dip in flour, back in buttermilk, then coat in panko and cornmeal. This makes for a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough—around 350°F (175°C)—to fry them correctly. If it’s not hot enough, they’ll soak up oil and become soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry the chicken in batches. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures they fry evenly.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with crispy, golden chicken fries everyone will love!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating time (up to 2 hours if you want). You will also need around 15-20 minutes for frying. Total time will be approximately 1 hour to 2 hours depending on your marinating choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick. This size is perfect for getting nice, crunchy chicken fries!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, add the chicken strips, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating:
While your chicken is marinating, set up your breading station. In one shallow dish, combine the flour with the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and optional dried parsley or Italian seasoning. This will give your chicken fries great texture and flavor!
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Take each chicken strip out of the buttermilk mix one at a time, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture first, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko-cornmeal mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick well.
5. Fry the Chicken Fries:
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for around 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the chicken fries with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like spicy mayo, ranch, or honey mustard.
Enjoy your crispy, crunchy chicken fries just like in the picture! Perfect for snacking or parties!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before starting. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight or by placing sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
Can I Make the Chicken Fries in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). After breading, place the chicken fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive their crispiness.
Can I Use Different Spices for the Breading?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spices in the flour and breadcrumb mixture to your taste. Italian seasoning, cayenne, or even a little curry powder can add unique flavors to your chicken fries.
