Crispy Chicken Fries are a fun and tasty treat that everyone loves! These golden, crunchy strips of chicken are easy to make and perfect for dipping. Yum!
I like to serve them with my favorite sauces for extra flavor. They’re great as a snack or at parties—watch out, your friends might finish them all! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts work great for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer dark meat; they can be juicier.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love panko for its extra crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the texture will be slightly different. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
Eggs: Instead of eggs, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option. This helps with the adhesion of the coating.
Spices: Customize the flavor! I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Play around with different spices based on your taste, like Italian herbs for an aroma boost.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Fries Stay Crispy?
The key to crispy chicken fries is in the coating and frying process. Properly preparing the chicken and cooking them in hot oil leads to that perfect crunch!
- Make sure your chicken strips are dry. Pat them down with paper towels before coating.
- Use three bowls to set up a station: one for flour, one for egg, and one for the seasoned panko.
- For extra crunch, double coat the strips by repeating the egg and panko steps.
- Fry in batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soft chicken fries.
- Let them drain on paper towels right after frying to keep them crisp!
With these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy chicken fries that are sure to impress!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into fry-sized strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional: ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 15-20 minutes for frying. In total, you can expect to spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken strips and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better!
3. Dredge the Chicken:
Coat each chicken strip in the flour first, shaking off any excess flour. Then dip it in the egg wash, making sure it’s well coated. Lastly, press the strip into the seasoned panko mixture until it’s thoroughly covered. For an extra crispy finish, consider double dipping: just repeat the egg and panko steps!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the chicken fries for frying.
5. Fry the Chicken Fries:
Carefully add the chicken fries to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as that can affect frying. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken fries from the oil. Place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your crispy, golden chicken fries—perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts provide a nice texture, you can also use chicken tenders or thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the strips.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the coated chicken fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again, rather than in the microwave which can make them soggy.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Chicken Fries?
These chicken fries pair great with various dips like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. For a complete meal, serve them with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw!
